Dream comes true for young soccer fan

A young Gozitan soccer fan couldn't believe his luck as a gallery of his Manchester United heroes last week lined up to meet him in a trip organised by a charity foundation.

Jonathan Debono, 14, from Victoria, lives and dreams football and until the onset of muscular dystrophy a year-and-a-half ago, he could be found on the pitch in his free time.

This muscle-wasting disease has restricted Jonathan to a wheelchair, but it didn't diminish his love for the game or for his favourite team, Manchester United.

The Make A Wish charity foundation wanted Jonathan to realise his dream to see the team and it roped in Vodafone to send him on his trip of a lifetime.

Jonathan was over the moon when Sir Alex Ferguson popped across for a chat during a training session at the club's Carrington complex in Manchester, UK.

While in Manchester he also got to meet captain Roy Keane, striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ryan Giggs and Christiano Ronaldo on the special trip.

"This is unbelievable," said Jonathan as Keane posed for a picture with him.

"It is a fantastic trip and everyone at United has been brilliant. It was great to see them train and then meet the players afterwards. I think we are going to win the FA Cup this year."

Jonathan, who attends Ninu Cremona Junior Lyceum in Victoria, was accompanied by his father Charlie on the visit.

"Jonathan has been very excited about this from the moment he heard about it," Mr Debono said.

"He's been having trouble sleeping because of the excitement and everything here has lived up to our expectations - the players have been magnificent."

Jonathan, whose uncle Emanuel runs the Manchester United Supporters Club in Gozo, was also treated to a tour of Old Trafford as part of a group of youngsters who had a very special day at the best known football club in the world.

"It is fantastic to see the children, especially their happy smiling faces," said Sir Alex.

"I hope they enjoyed the day as much as the team enjoyed meeting them. They are truly an inspiration to others."