England footballer Jack Grealish has kept his promise to a young fan by doing a special celebratory dance after scoring his first World Cup goal.

Finlay, who has cerebral palsy, had written to his favourite player earlier this year and referenced the Manchester City star’s close bond with his sister, who also has the condition.

“I wish there were more people in the world just like you who treat people with disabilities the same as anyone else,” the 11-year-old wrote.

Finlay also told Grealish it was his “dream” to meet him in real life, describing him as his “hero”.

Grealish followed up with a letter of his own and also made a surprise visit to meet Finlay in person at a football session run by the City In the Community programme.

It was there that he pledged to dedicate his next goal to Finlay, who initially suggested the more challenging dance move “the worm” before settling on a more simple arm gesture.

“First of all I’ve got to try and score, then I’ll do it for you, but I’ve only scored once this season,” Grealish said, in a video captured by the Premier League.

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“I’ll do it for you, I promise, next time I score.”

Grealish came on as a substitute in England’s first game of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before slotting home a close range finish to put the Three Lions 6 – 1 up against Iran.

The final result at the Khalifa International Stadium was 6 – 2.

After his goal, Grealish tweeted: “For you Finlay.”

In a press conference after the match, England manager Gareth Southgate described Grealish as a “lovely human being” who is “very aware” of the impact he can have.

The midfielder has spoken previously about his “close” relationship with his sister and raises awareness of cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and coordination.

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Before the match between England and Iran kicked off, some supporters struggled to enter the stadium due to an issue with the FIFA ticketing app.

The game also saw the Three Lions take the knee in a gesture against racism and inequality amid controversy over the decision for the captain to not wear the OneLove armband following a threat by FIFA.

In an apparent act of solidarity for Iranians protesting at home, the Iranian team chose to not sing their country’s national anthem before the game.

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