Kuno Becker, the actor who played Santiago Munez in the much-loved Goal! film series, has sent a video message to Newcastle United's newest signing Santiago Muñóz - a sentence I never thought I'd write in a million years.
After weeks of rumours surrounding a potential deal, it was announced on transfer deadline day that Mexico under-23 international Muñóz was to join up with the club's academy set-up on an initial 18-month loan deal with an option to buy.
The highly-rated 18-year-old forward, who scored three goals for Liga MX club Santos Laguna last season, made a name for himself in his homeland after starring for Mexico at the 2019 FIFA Under-17 World Cup - and continued that form for his club.
He will now be hoping to make an impact at Premier League side Newcastle in the coming months and, as he prepares to join up with his new teammates, a familiar face has provided Muñóz with some touching words via video link.
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Will the real Santiago please stand up.
That's right. Santiago Munez, the teenager who, against all odds, played professional football after a tough upbringing [and yes, he played against Ful-ham] - decided to send on his best wishes.
Becker himself declared his love for The Magpies and their fans in an interview with SPORTbible last year.
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"I love Newcastle more than anybody, maybe because I 'played' there in the movie and I got to know the guys, as well as the previous owners," he told us.
"I saw this one player say that he knew the team because of the movie and I was just like 'What?!'
"I haven't been in Newcastle since the movie. I would love it. Why not? I love that place. I had a great time there, incredibly great experiences and the movie means a lot to me.
"I love Geordies. There's always a smile, a 'good morning' and there's always patience and gratefulness. Small town people in a good way. Passionate and happy."
Following confirmation that his move to Newcastle was done, Muñóz opened up about the film series.
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"I remember when I was a kid, I watched the GOAL! movie and got excited and I still do," he said.
"It's a dream come true. I don't know the city but it's a great team and a great institution - I think I'll fit in well over there."
Some fans have suggested the deal to bring Muñóz to the North East is merely a PR stunt. Let's hope he can go on and imitate Newcastle's most famous Santiago in the coming years.
Featured Image Credit: Newcastle United/Goal!Topics: Football, Goal!, Premier League, Newcastle United
