Martinez hails ‘incredible’ young fan
George Shaw, who has cerebral palsy, recorded a landslide win in the January poll with 86% of the vote after he scored at the Gwladys Street end at half-time of the match against Swansea.
He was invited to the game by Gerard Deulofeu after an inspiring video of the youngster playing football in the Spaniard’s number 19 shirt went viral across the internet.
VIDEO: Here's the moment Roberto welcomed up 9 y/o George Shaw to present him with his Goal of the Month award. #EFChttps://t.co/yfhVIkEJBy
— Everton (@Everton) February 11, 2016
“Everything started in George’s head and that is what impresses me the most,” said Martinez, who presented the nine-year-old with his award at the club’s Finch Farm training complex yesterday morning.
“He dreamed of scoring a goal at the Gwladys Street end and started practising with his dad in his back garden.
“He showed there is never a reason or excuse to give up your dream.
George is now meeting @RBarkley20, @AaronLennon12 and Kevin Mirallas - the 3 players he beat in the GOTM vote! pic.twitter.com/M1iJpUvYZl
— Everton (@Everton) February 11, 2016
“The players have been touched by the story. They saw the clips wearing Gerard Deulofeu’s top and Geri could not wait to prepare a little present for him.
“He is a young man with incredible drive, not allowing any illness or disability to stop him achieving the dream that he wanted and the recognition is genuine recognition from every Everton fan.
GOTM: 9 y/o George Shaw has beaten @RBarkley20 and @AaronLennon12 to top our January poll. Well done, George! #EFChttps://t.co/tknZd0jDAM
— Everton (@Everton) February 9, 2016
“When you see a young boy like George coping with a disability it gives you such a lesson how to approach life in general and approach adversity.
“It makes you realise how fortunate we are to be professionals in the game and seeing George’s inspiration is a really strong lesson we all enjoyed.”
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