JUVENTUS legend Gianluigi Buffon invited a Crewe academy player to watch a match with him as he undergoes treatment for cancer.
Ashton Hulme was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in January.
The family of the Under-12s goalkeeper are raising money for his treatment and Italian hero Buffon – who has just completed a free transfer back to boyhood club Parma – has leant a helping hand.
The 43-year-old sent in a video message of support to young Ashton and offered him a trip to Juventus when possible.
He said: “Hi Ashton, I’m Gigi Buffon and I want to send you a big hug.
“And I want to tell you that when this ugly pandemic is over, Juventus and I will invite you to Juventus Stadium to watch a match togther.
“And remember, I cheer for you. Ciao ciao!”
Ashton, who began chemotherapy in January, was shown Buffon’s message in a clip posted on Crewe’s social media pages.
The youngster appeared taken aback at the video and later posed with a signed shirt of the goalkeeper’s.
At the announcement of Ashton’s diagnosis in January, Crewe academy manager Aidan Callan said: “This news about Ashton has completely devastated everyone here at the club.
“Ashton is not only a talented young goalkeeper, but more importantly a brilliant young lad full of personality, energy, politeness and is extremely well liked by everyone here at the Academy.
“Ashton has the support of an amazing family, great friends and I know from the messages received this week, everyone is behind him.
“We will be there for him every step of the way, doing anything we can. The football family is really pulling together for Ashton and his family.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
