Hero worship: Star midfielder Aaron Ramsey welcomes Nelson

Published: 12 September, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

YOUNG Arsenal fan Nelson Waite will no doubt be looking forward to cheering on his team when they return to action away at Sunderland on Saturday following the international break.

But even with the chance of club-record signing Mesut Ozil making his debut at the Stadium of Light, the eight-year-old won’t be as excited as he was for the Gunners’ previous Premier League outing.

Nelson, who lives a stone’s throw from Emirates Stadium, just off Tollington Road in Islington, was chosen at random from over 30,000 youngsters to be the
Arsenal mascot for the north London derby.

He had the honour of leading the team on to the pitch ahead of their 1-0 victory over Spurs.

Being a member of the Junior Gunners gave him the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet his heroes, bag players’ autographs and even a brand new Arsenal kit.

After posing for a picture with one of Arsene Wenger’s star midfielders, delighted Nelson said: “It was brilliant to have been chosen to be the mascot and to walk the team out on to the pitch.

“I got to meet loads of players, including Aaron Ramsey, which made the day extra special.”

The Arsenal and Wales international enjoyed meeting the Islington youngster too: “It was great to meet Nelson and to see how excited he was to see behind the scenes at the Emirates.

I know how much I’d have loved to do something like that when I was a kid, especially at a derby game! I hope he had a memorable afternoon.”

For more information on the Junior Gunners and becoming an Arsenal mascot, visit www.arsenal.com/juniorgunners/mascots/be-a-mascot