According to Punch Newspaper, Veteran Nollywood actor Olamide Blessing, popularly known as Baba Esu, has expressed his deep passion for Manchester United, saying he becomes emotionally devastated whenever the club loses a match.…....
The actor disclosed this during an interview with The Sports Illuminator monitored by Saturday PUNCH, where he spoke extensively about his lifelong loyalty to the English Premier League side.
According to Baba Esu, his love for Manchester United dates back to 1989 and has remained unwavering for more than three decades.
“I love the team to the extent that I can’t eat when United lose, and I leave set if I want to watch their games, no matter what,” he said.
The actor also ruled out any possibility of supporting rivals Arsenal F.C., jokingly stating that even if a family member played for Arsenal against Manchester United, he would still back the Red Devils.
“I am not an Arsenal fan, and I will never be an Arsenal fan,” he declared.
Baba Esu revealed that his interest in football started during his school days and gradually developed into a strong emotional attachment to Manchester United.
“My interest started in 1989. By SS1 and SS2 in 1991, I was already a full Manchester United fan. I bought my first United jersey in 1991, and I have never looked back,” he explained.
Speaking on his greatest football memory, the Nollywood veteran described Manchester United’s dramatic comeback victory against FC Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final as the greatest miracle in football history.
“The best miracle you can ever witness in football is the 1999 Champions League final. Those last minutes are the greatest miracle in football history,” he said, referring to the late goals scored by Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
The actor also shared his views on Manchester United’s current form, praising former player Michael Carrick for restoring the club’s fighting spirit.
According to him, the team’s recent improvement shows that the “blood of Manchester United” has returned.
“They have played almost 14 matches; they lost two, won almost 12, and drew one. That is the Manchester United we all want to see — attack, passion, never-say-die spirit,” he stated.
Baba Esu further predicted that the club would challenge for trophies next season, including the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Asked to name his greatest Manchester United players of all time, the actor listed Bobby Charlton, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Wayne Rooney as his top five.
