Denzel Jo Armani was Dutch defender Daley Blind’s escort in the World Cup’s semi-final match.Denzel Jo Armani was Dutch defender Daley Blind’s escort in the World Cup’s semi-final match.

Denzel Jo Armani, 7, of Birkirkara never expected he would visit Brazil to attend the FIFA World Cup semi-final match as part of the international McDonald’s Player Escort Programme.

Walking into the pitch, hand in hand with Netherland’s star player Daley Blind proved to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the boy.

“When I found out I would be escorting Blind, I couldn’t believe it! I can’t describe the excitement I felt walking onto the pitch surrounded by thousands of screaming fans,” he said.

Accompanied by his father, Joseph Armani, Denzel travelled to Rio to attend the semi-final between the Netherlands and Argentina.

“The pitch seemed so much larger than it did on TV and I don’t think I have ever seen so many people in my life.”

McDonald’s has been an Official Sponsor and Official Restaurant of the FIFA World Cup since 1994.

Laura Jasenaite, director of marketing for Malta and Greece at McDonald’s developmental licensee Premier Capital, said: “We are very happy to have been able to offer this unique opportunity to Denzel Jo.”

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