Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, brother, sister or cousin, many supporters have a relative to thank for their football allegiance.
Twenty-four-year-old Alicia Hannah is one such fan and can be found at the Etihad Stadium on matchdays, singing her heart out and backing Pep Guardiola’s side all the way.
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But without an early push from a close family member, her footballing story might have been totally different.
Alicia’s first game proved a bittersweet experience as City beat Hamburg 2-1 in the second leg of our 2009 UEFA Cup quarter-final, though it was not enough to progress as we bowed out 4-3 on aggregate.
It was enough to ignite her passion, however, and since then, she’s never looked back.
“I was born in Scotland and lived there until I was eight,” she revealed
“When I moved to Manchester, I lived not too far from the stadium, and when my sister started dating her now fiancé (a huge blue), he started taking me to games - I instantly fell in love with the club!”
The Citizen, who lives approximately ten minutes away from the Etihad in Gorton, admitted it is difficult time without any City matches due to the outbreak of COVID-19, but revealed she’s finding ways to cope.
“I’m a South Stand season ticket holder and I absolutely love being in the ‘singing stand’ because the atmosphere on big games is second to none, so obviously I’m gutted about the current situation.
“I’m on Twitter daily keeping up to date with everything from football and also play in the garden during lunch hours. I have to do anything to keep going!”
With a matchday experience having initiated her own love for the Club, Alicia is looking forward to the day fans can return to the Etihad and says the excitement of being there is enough to win anyone over.
“All future generations should be City fans,” she added.
“We are back to winning ways and the thrill of walking into the Etihad each and every game day is enough to give anyone goosebumps!
“Hopefully all will be back to normal in the coming months and we can resume as normal.”
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