The Chronicle have revealed how Kenedy made a fans day at the end of Saturday’s pre-season friendly at St James’ Park – going out his way to get a picture and give an 8-year old supporter his shirt after the game.
Mckenzie Gilroy – a young Newcastle fan – was at the game on Saturday with his uncle Jamie Gilroy, with the pair bringing along a sign in honour of the Brazilian.
Initially, Kenedy gave the pair the ‘thumbs up’ after seeing the sign during the first half, however neither were prepared for what happened after the final whistle, with the 22-year old coming straight over to pose for photo’s – also handing his match-worn shirt to the 8-year old fan.
Here’s what Jamie – the young fan’s uncle – told The Chronicle about the memorable moment his nephew is now ‘never going to forget’:
“Kenedy saw it [the sign] in the first half and he put his thumbs up, but I thought I wasn’t too sure if it was going to happen.
“When the match finished he just looked straight over and that was it, he started walking towards us. Mckenzie started jumping around.
“Everyone loved it. When people saw him start to come over they started cheering and it just went up when they saw him pass the shirt.
“I think it was appreciated not just by us but everybody who was there.”
“I think it’s nice for the players to go to the kids because it just makes their day. It’s something Mckenzie is not going to forget.”
Here’s what young NUFC fan Mckenzie said about the unforgettable experience:
“It was amazing. As soon as the match ended everything was emotional.
“When he started warming up I got up and he did a thumbs up.
“At the end of the game he gave us the shirt. I was shaking like hell. Everyone was shouting his name but he gave it to me.”
I missed this, being sat in the East Stand for Saturday’s game, however you could see just how much Kenedy cares after the full-time whistle.
He looked genuinely disappointed to have left fans going home on the back of another pre-season defeat and was one of few who came over to applaud the crowd.
Him going over to the young NUFC fan is what you’d expect most players to do, but given his age (just 22) and his inability to speak English, this is a really nice gesture and something that should be applauded given all the negativity surrounding NUFC at the moment.
Was sitting right next to them and honestly Kenedy went out of his way for the lad and signed a autograph for my nephew. Will never forget it. Lot of respect for him.
— kevy fitz (@kevymartins) August 7, 2018
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McKenzie…. Jesus Christ what an awful name
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That’s what you took from this 😳
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
If Kennedy could sign the shirt before it gets put in a frame that would be a amazing my nephew was in that much of a shock that he got it he forgot to ask
Gemma(Quote)
Cherylanne(Quote)