The English Football League (EFL) and Chelsea Foundation gave a special surprise to young Chelsea fan, Oscar Brown-Smart, ahead of this weekend’s Carabao Cup Final where the Blues will take on Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.
Oscar, 12, recently underwent a kidney transplant following stage 5 chronic kidney disease. Oscar was under the impression he was attending his regular hospital appointment, only to arrive at the Chelsea FC training ground, much to his amazement.
He was greeted by Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who invited Oscar to watch training, with Cole Palmer even joining Oscar for some one-on-one passing. He then met with the rest of the squad who signed his shirt.
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The biggest surprise came when Conor Gallagher joined Oscar in the press room, presenting him with tickets to the Carabao Cup Final, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Wembley Stadium and a signed shirt.
Oscar said: “An amazing day, very special. I can’t wait to go to Wembley, my prediction is a 2-1 win for Chelsea with Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher to score.”
Conor Gallagher said: “It was fantastic to meet Oscar and his Dad today. Oscar and the family have been through a tough time, so I’m delighted to be able to surprise him with tickets to the Carabao Cup final courtesy of the EFL and Chelsea Foundation. Hopefully Oscar will bring us some luck on the day!”
Oscar was joined by Dad, Neil, who added: “We can’t thank everyone enough, I know this will make Oscar’s day and he will remember this for the rest of his life. To be able to watch him smile so much today, after everything that has happened, is brilliant.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to be given tickets to the final, thanks to Chelsea and the EFL for making it happen for Oscar and hopefully me if he let’s me go with him!”