Eight-Year-old Ali Waleed Al Saeedi has won the competition to be a club mascot for Manchester City in the upcoming Manchester derby
The young Emirati from Bani Yas will lead out the Sky Blues when they face their arch-rivals in the Barclays Premier League crunch match on 30th April.
“This is a dream come true, I cannot wait. I am a huge football fan and to go see one of the world’s best teams will be a memory I cherish forever,” said Ali, who entered the competition organised by Etihad Airways and the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.
“I knew they were going to announce the competition’s winner on Sunday whilst I was in school, however, I didn’t think for a second that I will win. When my father called, I couldn’t believe it. This is my wish!”
Ali will also get the chance to greet the Manchester City players as they arrive at Etihad Stadium and will receive an official replica Manchester City kit. He will also spend time with City’s mascots Moonchester and Moonbeam before leading the team onto the Etihad Stadium pitch alongside the home team’s captain.
