Love This City: The O'Connor family | OneFootball

Love This City: The O'Connor family | OneFootball

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Icon: Manchester City F.C.

Manchester City F.C.

·27 July 2024

Love This City: The O'Connor family

Article image:Love This City: The O'Connor family

I first got into City because of David Silva. I always played growing up but I was never really a fan of watching on television. That was until the 2010 World Cup. I fell in love with watching that Spain team and David Silva in particular.

He was one of a few players that I knew was either going to city or had just joined (Carlos Tevez, Yaya Toure etc.) So my bond with the club has only continued to grow since then.


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We tend to watch most games at R&D brewing in Raleigh with the local supporters group. Depending on the game times. If there’s an early kick-off we’ll just watch from home, and I’ll try my best not to cheer too loud and wake up the baby.

We’ve had so many incredible moments over the last 15 or so years. From the Aguero moment, Vinny’s goal against Leicester, the Villa game, and of course the Treble!

Article image:Love This City: The O'Connor family

But honestly I’d say my favourite moments was the first time I went to the Etihad ten years ago. A 4-1 win against Southampton during the 13-14 season.

I do have a feeling that this answer may change to the day I get to bring my wife and our boys to the Etihad for the first time. I can’t wait for that.

Having City play here locally is everything! I couldn’t believe the news when it first came out. It was surreal seeing the posts that they had landed in Raleigh.

Being able to meet other City fans from supporters’ groups that came from out of state was also awesome! My son has always talked about wanting to see Haaland in person so it definitely made his day when we saw him at the open practice and the game!

Article image:Love This City: The O'Connor family

Billy O'Connor

Growing up in Brazil soccer was everything. I grew up going to São Paulo games with my brothers.

It wasn’t until I did an exchange student programme and met Billy (now my husband) that I got into Premier League.

He introduced me to City and I fell in love with the club instantly since they had my favourite player of all time Fernandinho. I have been following the team since.

I have so many amazing memories! The Treble is for sure something we can’t forget.

Aguero goal 93:20 is historic I think that winning the champions league was extremely emotional and one of my favourite memories.

It means everything to have City here! City played right in our backyard!

Having the chance to see Haaland, Grealish, Pep and my Brazilian goalie Ederson was incredible.

Article image:Love This City: The O'Connor family

On top of that, because we are part of the official supporters’ group we got to be part of exclusive events here in town where we got pictures with Premier League trophy and got to meet former players.

Just amazing. Our five-year-old was super excited and worked hard on his little signs for Haaland (his favourite player).

Billy and I also loved seeing the young guys on the pitch. It was a great experience having the club in North Carolina. I will never forget.

I hope we can make a trip to Manchester soon to watch city play at the Etihad. We are excited for the season ahead. Let’s make it five in a row!

Camilla O'Connor

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