Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol helped to surprise his ‘biggest fan’ after the season-ticket holder was declared cancer free.
Following City’s Treble win in 2022-23, lifelong City fan Peter Walker was diagnosed with three forms of cancer – throat, tongue and prostate.
In June he was admitted to the Christie Cancer Hospital and stayed for eight weeks where he underwent lengthy chemotherapy.
Gvardiol, who signed for City from RB Leipzig in that August for £77.6million, heard of Walker’s story and sent him a video message in support – but he went one better last month as they finally met.
Walker, along with his family, were invited to City’s training complex for a behind the scenes tour with his health improving.
Josko Gvardiol (left) was able to surprise his ‘first’ Man City fan at the training ground in May
Gvardiol surprised Peter Walker (right) and family while they were on a behind the scenes tour
As they made their way round they were given a surprise when Gvardiol appeared in the media centre.
‘Oh its my friend,’ Walker said in shock.
‘Hey, how are you doing – I’m Josko!’ said Gvardiol as he shook Walker’s hand.
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‘Pleased to see you again!’ said Walker, adding that he ‘enjoyed the phone call off you last September.’
Gvardiol spent time with Walker and his family and the lifelong City fan joked he was the centre back’s ‘first City fan’.
As a present for his support, Walker was given a signed ball from the Man City squad just weeks before they sealed a fourth-successive Premier League title.
City have been struck by Walker’s story and kept in touch with friends and family after hearing of his plight following their Champions League win in Istanbul a year ago.
As well as Gvardiol sending a video message, City arranged for the Treble trophies to make their way to Walker’s house as part of a surprise party following his return from hospital in August.
Those who look after Walker said that they felt he had given up prior to Gvardiol’s message and the trophy visit, showing the power of football in his recovery.
Gvardiol (right) has been keeping track of Walker’s recovery from three types of cancer
Back in August, City arranged for their Treble trophies to pay a visit to Walker’s house
‘It’s been a very long journey, a very difficult journey, bad times, sad times but then happy times – thanks to City and thanks to all the treatment Christie’s have done to save my brother’s life,’ his sister Angela said.
‘It started just after the Champions League final last year. 8 weeks of gruelling treatment, 30 radiation and two lots of 18 hour chemotherapy.
‘He had a peg feed on till November. He couldn’t eat or even drink water, so it’s marvellous to see he’s travelling and going to the match again with me.
She added: ‘He means the world to me, as long as he’s next to me and we can go and watch Man City.’
