Sunderland superfan won fans in Argentina, but cancer and Covid scuppered Buenos Aires trip | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Peter Farrer, 70, became a familiar face on Sunderland Til’ I Die and unexpectedly in Argentina, but Covid and a prostate cancer diagnosis ended plans for a Buenos Aires visit.

The retired taxi driver featured across both Netflix series, which tracked Sunderland’s fortunes. His appearances resonated with River Plate supporters, and president Rodolfo D'Onofrio offered to fly him to El Monumental.

The pandemic halted the trip. Farrer later received a text on Christmas morning telling him he had prostate cancer, then waited seven months for surgery until lockdowns eased. He says he is fine now, undergoes six-monthly checks, and urges men to seek tests promptly.

He first outlined his Argentinian connection in 2020, explaining that River Plate fans found him through his son Peter’s social media profile, which shares his name. He was told supporters had fallen for Sunderland and for him, likening River Plate’s stature to Manchester United’s.

Farrer says he now speaks with fans almost daily and keeps a WhatsApp group with Sebastian, Nico and others. Looking to England’s FIFA World Cup semi-final with Argentina, he said, “It is not going to be easy but England has got a chance, especially if Saka and Gordon turn it on.”

Source: Sunderland Echo