PIC: Irish eight-year-old’s letter to hero Shane Long will melt your heart

Shane Long clearly left a lasting impression on this young man.

When the Boys In Green were getting their last preparations underway before jetting off to France for Euro 2016, they paid a visit to Cork to host Belarus in a warm-up friendly. It was there where massive Southampton fans Terrence and his eight-year-old son Stephen met the Saints striker. After being so moved by meeting his hero, Stephen decided to pen a letter to Long about his experience, which you can see in the image embedded in the tweet below. (If you are unable to read the text, we've transcribed the full letter below). https://twitter.com/terryletiss/status/748603677238243328

Dear Shane Long, Hi Shane. You are my favourite soccer player. I love your celebrations when you score a goal. If I was a soccer player when I grow up I might do the same celebrations. I'm glad you liked the photo of me and you. I hope you stay at Southamton. My Dad is annoyed that Koeman left and went to Everton. I want to ask you are you happy being next to pelle, Tadic, Mane and Steven Davis. I hope it's ok being with them because I hope you say at Southamton. From Stephen

Thanks to Terrence for sending this our way. If you have any pieces of content you'd like to share with us, hit us up on Facebook or Twitter or send us an email at editorial@SportsJOE.ie.