Programme exclusive | Vicario, a story that transcends football

Guglielmo Vicario’s football journey is a remarkable tale given his career arc from Italy’s fourth tier to the Premier League.

However, his story off the pitch is one that transcends the beautiful game after he and his family welcomed in a Ukrainian mother and her son when war broke out last year.

Hanna, alongside her child, Milan, left behind her husband who continues to fight in Ukraine, and are still living with the Vicarios at their family home in Udine in northeast Italy.

Vicario and his ‘little brother’ Milan have forged a familial connection ever since, with the now 11-year-old captivated at first by living with a professional footballer. Despite an initial language barrier, their mutual love of the game helped Vicario find Milan a local football team and school to help him start learning Italian.

In an exclusive interview in Sunday’s matchday programme for the pre-season friendly against Ukraine outfit Shakhtar Donetsk, Guglielmo spoke about his incredible hospitality and kindness towards Hanna and her son.

“It was an idea from my parents to take in a Ukrainian family, a mum and her son, and they stayed with us in my house in Italy,” Vicario explained. “They are still with us, and we are happy for this.

“He is my little brother,” the Italian added. “When I come back to Udine to see my family, I spend some time with him. He is going to school and learns Italian. I hope he feels good because in Ukraine now the situation is not so good with the war.

“So we try to give a smile to these people, and I hope they don’t have to think to the situation of their country. When I go on the pitch, thinking about them is important. It’s like a strength it can give. I am happy for this family.”

Read the full interview with our new Italian goalkeeper in Sunday’s matchday programme. Still priced at £4, the 84-page issue also features Ange Postecoglou’s first column as our Head Coach, plus loads of new features for the new season.