POPE FRANCIS was thrilled after receiving a signed Manchester United shirt with a message from Lisandro Martinez.
The Pope met with the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and religious leaders from the region, including members of the Jewish, Sikh and Hindu communities, at the Vatican.
The group pledged their commitment to tackle climate change in Manchester and had a special gift for the Argentine pontiff, who is a famous football fan.
And the Pope was left in awe as he was handed World Cup winner Martinez’s Red Devils shirt.
The shirt carried a personal message from Martinez that read, in Spanish, “Your holiness, with much love, Licha”.
Martinez has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after undergoing surgery on his fractured metatarsal following an injury he suffered against Sevilla last Thursday.
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That means the defender will miss United’s run-in as they play for a Europa League and FA Cup double, as well as a spot in the top four.
And United fans took to the comments’ section and begged the Pope to pray for a miracle return.
One fan tweeted: “In return can he do a sign of the cross on Licha’s [Martinez] ankle so he comes back quickly?”
Another commented: “Bless him for a quick recovery.”
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A third wrote: “Hope he prays that he returns even better.”
This fan said: “Fair enough we need all the spiritual help we can get to beat Sevilla.”
And that one stated: “Pope presented with a God.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
