We can sometimes take football too seriously.
It can often take a tragedy to put into perspective the excessive significance we put on what’s essentially a game.
Luke Shaw had a terrible year, having been out for most of last season rehabilitating the horrific broken leg suffered last September.
But that tough time pales in comparison to the year endured by the de Korte family from Tipperary, who sadly lost their baby daughter Ava just six weeks after she was prematurely born last summer.
@LukeShaw23 thanks so much for your awesome letter , you are an absolute legend m8 #Lukeisared @FullTimeDEVILS ?⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/dBp0f0ZYya
— Steve MUFC (@Willstev) July 15, 2016
When Steve de Korte, a hardcore Manchester United fan, and his wife Sarah had a baby boy this year, they sent a photo of little Luke in his Manchester United kit to the club.
And they were gobsmacked when, out of the blue, they received a congratulatory letter from Luke Shaw, a player that they had the privilege to meet in 2014.
@ImGHTT @LouMacari10 little Luke ??? pic.twitter.com/BvIm74kOrb
— Steve MUFC (@Willstev) May 31, 2016
“When I opened the letter this morning, I was taken aback with complete admiration and sheer delight that we could receive a letter from him,” Steve told SportsJOE.
“It was a genuine letter with powerful words acknowledging Ava and Luke together. It was truly something special!
“I was a huge fan of him before but now more than ever. It’s a simple gesture that has gone a long, long way.”
What a class act!
