A man from Argentina has travelled 12,000km to Bristol after Rovers fans raised money for his trip.
Francisco Perez arrived in Bristol on Monday 29th April, on his first visit to the city and the country.
The 21 year old student has followed the club since a boy after playing FIFA football manager.
After The man in Argentina who supports Bristol Rovers but has never been to Bristol and how much he loved the club, a group of fans got together to fund raise for his flight and accommodation.
He has arrived in time for the last game of the season against Barnsley on Saturday May 4, and will be paraded on the pitch.
Francisco Perez loves Bristol Rovers, although he lives on the other side of the world. He comes from the small Argentinian city, Villa Elisa, in north east of the country. Despite having some amazing clubs in Argentina, and arguably the greatest player on the planet in Lionel Messi, he chooses to support Bristol Rovers and names his favourite footballer as Gas skipper Tom Lockyer.
The man in Argentina who supports Bristol Rovers but has never been to Bristol
He had two dreams. One was to get a signed Bristol Rovers shirt worn by a player, a dream made true by Rovers President Wael Al Qadi who kindly sent him one. The other was to watch his beloved team live at the Memorial Stadium. He expected this dream never to be fulfilled.
But then he hadn’t met Bristol Rovers fans clubbing together to bring Argentinian fan 7500 miles to the Mem who simply got to work and made this happen. A fundraising page was set up and a target of £1000 set, and it was exceeded in a matter of days. The wheels were in motion and his flight was booked.
Bristol Rovers fans clubbing together to bring Argentinian fan 7500 miles to the Mem
And now Francisco is finally here. Ian Smith said: “I am so glad we could achieve this, and want to thank the Gas family for making Francisco’s dream of visiting Bristol come true. I went to collect Francisco with my mum, and he was so happy to see us.”
“I simply cannot wait to show him around Bristol and the surrounding areas. He's so overwhelmed,” he added.
As for Francisco he is catching up on some sleep after a long flight, and then will start to see the sights of Bristol. And Bristol Live plan to accompany him, and take him to a few iconic spots in Rovers history.
Then his big moment arrives on Saturday, where he will be getting the full VIP treatment and taken onto the pitch.
A dream has come true, and it’s thanks to Bristol Rovers fans.
