Lifting Scottish Cup is a dream come true for 106-year-old fan
ONE of the world’s oldest football fans has finally got his hands on the Scottish Cup after Hibs ended decades of heartache.
Diehard Hibee Sam Martinez, 106, has followed the Scottish Championship side ever since arriving in Scotland from his native Belize in 1945.
And as he visited the team based in Leith, Edinburgh, he was given the honour that all football fans would savour as he hugged, kissed and held the famous trophy.
Hibs won the cup with a last-gasp header in a dramatic 3-2 victory over rivals Rangers at Hampden Park in May.
Mr Martinez watched his team triumph from Hampden’s South Stand after bagging a complimentary ticket from big-hearted Hibs bosses – fulfilling a lifelong dream.
The unforgettable day out was organised by his carer, James Lawrie.
And Mr Lawrie put the final cherry on the cake by arranging for Mr Martinez to visit the cup he had waited so long to see his team lift.
The 45-year-old said: “It was amazing. We were on the pitchside with the cup, and we got to hug and kiss it.
“He showed us where his first seat was, when he first came to Easter Road.
“He remembers everything. He’s such a special guy – it’s a pleasure to look after him.
“When we won the cup, everybody was just cuddling him and kissing him. When the final whistle went, and we won, I just cried and cried.
“I couldn’t sleep [the night before going to see the cup].I want to thank Hibs from the bottom of my heart everything they’ve done.”
Mr Martinez celebrated his 106th birthday in February and previously said he had never lost hope his team would take home the Scottish Cup in his lifetime.
These days the pensioner rarely attends matches, but is still an avid football follower.
Family members revealed he repeatedly watched Hibs’ cup final triumph in the days following the win.
Daughter Carol Martinez said her father had been “really excited and happy” before the trip.
She added: “Imagine all those years that he’s waited to see that cup. He’s absolutely delighted.”
A Hibs spokesman said: “We were delighted to give Sam the opportunity to see the Scottish Cup in person after such a long time supporting the club.
“Sam has persevered for so many years following the club, and it was great to see how happy he was to finally see ‘Hibernian FC’ on the trophy.” for