'Barclays Fan of India' returns from London trip

| Last updated less than one minute ago

Submit :

News Photos Just In Debate Topic Latest News Articles Local News Blog Posts Pictures Reviews Recipes

Piyalighosh

03 March, 2010

THE WINNER of 'Barclays Fan of India' contest, twenty-four year old Aby Baby Kuruvilla, has just returned from the trip of a lifetime to London to see his beloved Arsenal football club as his prize for winning the competition.

During his VIP stay in the capital the die-hard Arsenal supporter from Kerala met his favourite players before enjoying the Gunners' 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League. He also received a personal tour of the Emirates Stadium and was invited onto the pitch in front of 60,000 fans for a special presentation by Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood ahead of the fixture on Wednesday 10 February.

Aby said: "This was my first trip outside of India and certainly an unforgettable experience. I had always wanted to see Arsenal play at the Emirates Stadium so winning the 'Barclays Fan of India' contest was a dream come true. The highlight for me was definitely meeting the Arsenal players in the tunnel ahead of the match; I have some amazing stories to tell my friends and family back home."

Aby also encouraged fans to enter the Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes competition (go to www.barclaysfootball.com) which aims to find the best Barclays Premier League match day experience in the world, and offers the winner a trip to see their favourite Barclays Premier League team next season.

"My trip was fantastic, I never expected to win but it goes to show that anybody can win these competitions. The Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes competition is another great chance for fans to follow in my footsteps and experience the trip of a lifetime."

Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger said "We are proud to have so many fans all over the world supporting Arsenal Football Club. We are delighted that Aby won this special prize and we are truly grateful for his support towards Arsenal from so far away."

Aby was crowned the most passionate Indian supporter of the Barclays Premier League out of thousands of entries through the 'Barclays Fan of India' contest after submitting a home-made video in which he sings passionately about his allegiance for his beloved Gunners.