NEWCASTLE signing Santiago Munoz has been encouraged to live the dream for real by the actor who played his namesake in the movie Goal!.
Kuno Becker starred as Santi Munez in the iconic 2005 film and its two sequels that followed a Mexican youngster making it big on Tyneside before moving to Real Madrid.
Some 16 years later, real life has followed fiction with the arrival of Munoz, 19, at St James’ Park.
Newcastle signed the Mexico youth international striker from Santos Laguna on deadline day in an initial loan deal.
The transfer led to many fans drawing comparisons between Goal! and Munoz, including Becker himself.
The 46-year-old actor said in a video message: “I just found out there’s a story that’s now a real life story.
“About this great football player that just signed with the Newcastle United team. A team, a town that is very close to my heart.
“Santi Munoz has almost exactly the same name as the fictional story of the movie Goal! Where I played Santi Munez.
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“An amazing story, like I’m sure this real life story will be – with a lot of goals. No pressure Santi!
“I believe that Newcastle, Newcastle United and the movie Goal! are a magical combination.
“This team has inspired dreams, the movie has inspired dreams and today I want to say congratulations to the real life Santi. That will also inspire a lot of people to dream.
“Felicidades (congratulations), Santi. Felicidades Geordies. Go Newcastle United!”
The real Munoz now has 18 months to impress Steve Bruce and the Toon faithful with an option to make the move permanent.
The player said after joining: “I remember when I was a kid, I watched the Goal! movie and got excited and I still do.
“It’s a dream come true. I don’t know the city but it’s a great team and a great institution – I think I’ll fit in well over there.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
