This one always hits hard.
This is a true story…. I was born in Brum but moved to London when I was still a babi as my parents called it a day. My mum moved us to London as we had family here so seemed a logical move.
We settled in Islington (still here) and had nothing but loyalty to my mum and dad in their support for Villa. Even growing up round here in the 90s, I stuck with my claret and blue blood, even with Arsenal being an amazing team.
I was the lad in school who had to watch parades around me whilst Villa, at the time, were always the nearly side in many ways.
Before Arsenals dominance, my mum found a home for us and we moved in 1993, she is still there. Our next door neighbours moved soon after we moved in and within weeks we had new neighbours who became like family. From having friends with their child who was a similar age, to parties, dinners, get togethers you name it.
Around 1996 the parents sadly split. The mother stayed in the flat next door and in a year so, around 1997, she met a new partner. So happens this man was Ugo’s brother.
As a snotty nosed, Villa mad 9/10 year old, I couldn’t believe it. One night I was in bed, being a school night, and my mum woke me up informing me of someone was next door to meet me; it was Ugo himself.
Star struck, along with a sore neck looking up, I didn’t say a word.
From then, it was like Ugo remembered this young kid, living next to his brother and his partner, being a massive Villa fan. Following that I was getting signed shirts, personalised signed calendars from the whole team (Yorke’s message always sticks in my head), signed balls, tickets to player lounge tickets, 2000 Cup Final tickets. You name it, it was offered without an ask.
It was clear to see what a true gent he was.
I was lucky too to meet his family who really took me in and loved my love for The Villa.
After Ugo left Villa I remember being gutted as I just knew what an amazing man and player he was.
Sadly, our neighbours moved just before Ugo left Villa, as their family grew. My mum and I did keep in touch, and I with Ugos younger brother (around my age). But sadly life changes and time passes and distance creeps in.
Getting the news, whilst at work that day, really hit me hard as I never got the chance, as a man, to shake Ugos hand and thank him for the memories he gave me as a child, ones I will never ever forget.
I wish I could find contact with his family to say hello
Beautiful man, fantastic footballer. And truly missed. On a personal note - thank you Ugo (and family) them memories will never die.
HEITS
