Brazilian SAFC fans keep Sunderland close after 12,000-mile pilgrimage | OneFootball

A Brazilian family have returned to São Paulo after a 12,000-mile round trip to see Sunderland, saying the city’s welcome was incomparable. According to Sunderland Echo, dentist Marcelo Balsamo fulfilled a long-held wish by watching SAFC at the Stadium of Light with his sons.

Marcelo, Luiz Felipe and Henrique fell for the club through Netflix’s Sunderland Til I Die, charting the slide into League One. They pledged to fly over if Sunderland made it back to the Premier League.

On 11 February they kept that promise, joining home fans for the visit of current Premier League champions Liverpool. The Black Cats were beaten 0-1, but the occasion resonated with the trio.

Marcelo spent a few days in London afterwards, yet felt Sunderland’s warmth, politeness and hospitality stood apart. He said he would live there comfortably and thanked the club, supporters in pubs, on the streets and in the stadium, and the wider community for their reception.

He flew home with SAFC souvenirs, among them a Sunderland Til I Die scarf and a Keep the Faith mug, and has since decorated the balcony of his São Paulo apartment.

Marcelo said the memories will stay with him and with Luiz Felipe and Henrique, and that they are sure to return for more Black Cats matches.

Source: Sunderland Echo