NETHERLANDS boss Louis van Gaal hugged a young journalist who halted a press conference to tell him he is a big fan.
Former Manchester United manager Van Gaal was gearing up for today’s World Cup clash against Ecuador at the Khalifa International Stadium.
During the pre-match press conference, young reporter Papa Mahmoud Gueye got to ask a question that moved the hard Dutchman.
Gueye revealed he had no question for the former Barcelona and Ajax manager.
Instead, he wanted to take the opportunity to tell the 71-year-old tactician he has been a big fan of his since the age of three.
Gueye told Van Gaal: “I’m a young journalist, who has just started.
“I don’t have any question for you, it’s just the opportunity to tell you how I’m a fan of you since [I was] three years old.”
Van Gaal was absolutely flattered by Gueye’s beautiful words ahead of a challenging clash that could seal a place in the Last 16 for the Netherlands.
The ex-Bayern Munich boss was so moved that he told him he was going to give him a “big hug” at the end of the press conference.
Van Gaal responded: “I want to give you a big hug.
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“Because I like that you say this and I mean that seriously. That does not happen often.
“So we’ll give each other a big hug afterwards.”
Van Gaal kept his word as he met Gueye at the end of the press conference and gave him a big hug while the rest of the press in attendance gave them a huge applause.
The reporter then shared a selfie video of him and the Dutch head coach in which he used a famous phrase from his time at United.
Gueye said: “Louis van Gaal’s army.” And Van Gaal responded: “You are in my army.”
