Scotland, United Kingdom
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When Georgios Samaras celebrated winning the Scottish Premiership with Celtic in May 2014, he spotted a young boy in the crowd who had become one of the most special people in his life.
His name was Jay Beatty, a 10-year-old Celtic supporter from Lurgan, Northern Ireland, who had Down syndrome.
Their friendship began the previous summer when Celtic travelled to Belfast for a Champions League qualifier. Jay had been invited to watch the team train, where he met Samaras. The two quickly became close.
So, when Celtic defeated Dundee United 3-1 in their final home game of the season, Jay was at Celtic Park with his family to celebrate another league title.
After the final whistle, manager Neil Lennon spotted Jay near the pitch and handed him his championship winner's medal.
Then Samaras noticed his little friend in the crowd. He immediately went over, lifted Jay into his arms and carried him around Celtic Park during the team's lap of honour.
It was Samaras's final appearance for Celtic, but their friendship was only getting started.
Few weeks later, Samaras was representing Greece at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
With the score at 1-1 deep into stoppage time, Samaras stepped up and scored a penalty to send his country through.
Back in Northern Ireland, Jay was overjoyed.
His father, Martin, filmed his reaction and uploaded it to social media. The video was watched by millions and quickly spread across Greece.
When Samaras was asked about Jay during a press conference, he became emotional.
“This kid gives me so much strength it is unbelievable.”
He then recorded a personal message for his young friend.
“Jay, I want to thank you for the strength you have given me.”
“I am very, very proud to say you are my friend.”
The story touched so many people that more than 80,000 supported a campaign to bring Jay to Brazil for Greece's next match against Costa Rica.
The Greek Football Federation even offered to fly the family out, but they were already at Dublin Airport preparing for a holiday in America that had been booked months earlier.
They couldn't accept the invitation, so Jay sent Samaras a message instead.
“Sammy, I’m sorry I won’t be there but I still love you very much and hope you win.”
“Come on Sammy!”
Their friendship continued, and in December 2014, they reunited in Athens to receive a special award recognising their bond.
When Jay was asked why he loved Samaras so much, his answer was wonderfully simple.
“I love him because he has long hair and a long beard.”
A month later, Jay was invited to watch Celtic play Hamilton Academical. He was even allowed into the dressing room to give the players a team talk.
According to his dad, Jay told them they needed to improve their performances and buck up their ideas.
Celtic went on to win 2-0, but Jay had his own moment of glory.
At half-time, he was invited onto the pitch to take a penalty. He stepped up and scored in front of thousands of cheering supporters.
Hamilton jokingly announced the final score as 3-0 to Celtic, including Jay's goal.
When the Scottish Professional Football League announced its nominations for January's Goal of the Month, Jay's penalty was among them.
He went on to win the award with an incredible 97 per cent of the votes.
His family sat him in front of the television, telling him he was about to watch some Celtic goals.
Instead, his favourite footballer appeared with a special message.
“Jay my friend, me and you are the same, scoring goals.”
“I’m very happy to announce that you won the goal of the month.”
“Well done pal, great job.”
“I miss you and I love you.”
Jay was absolutely delighted.
And when his father was asked about everything his son had experienced, he said
“Not many of us get to live our dreams.”
“Jay is getting to live all our dreams.”
Football is full of trophies, goals and unforgettable moments. But sometimes, its greatest achievement is the happiness one person can bring into another person's life. ❤️
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