Premier League footballers usually get a bad name for themselves, but Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse is no ordinary footballer!
Two stories concerning Papiss Cisse hit the headlines this week and both showed what a down to earth and genuine guy the Senegal striker is.
The first one saw Cisse pay a personal visit to a young fan’s house after the young Magpie had sent Papiss a good luck card when he signed for the club.
In the picture above Cisse is shown visiting four-year-old Sam Livingstone and his brother Jack, who were clearly both amazed to see their new hero come to their house.
Sam and Jack’s dad John told the Evening Chronicle: “This has really made Sam’s year and I cannot put into words how grateful I am that Papiss gave up his time to come and see Sam – we are all ever so grateful.”
John continued: “Footballers don’t always get the credit they deserve for things away from the football field, this gesture from Papiss just shows what a genuine, down to earth and tremendous person he is.”
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This personal visit showed just how thoughtful Papiss is as he went out of his way to give a fan a memorable experience, and the second story shows that his ego is nowhere to be seen.
On Thursday Cisse’s cult hero status in Newcastle was confirmed when he went for a £6 haircut in the city and was mobbed by young fans.
Papiss visited The Barber Shop on Sunderland Road in Felling, like you do, except when you go for a trim, it’s unlikely that 200 people go to watch.
Upon hearing the story Newcastle manager Alan Pardew even joked: “I have never had it myself – only one or two turn up when I get my hair cut.”
The owner of the barber shop Iyad Attallah said: “It was crazy. Everyone was screaming his name asking for a picture. But Papiss didn’t mind. He really enjoyed seeing the fans.”
Iyad didn’t even charge Cisse explaining: “His haircut would have cost £6 but I didn’t accept the money because I see him as my friend now, and I don’t charge my friends.”
Here’s a fan’s video…
Papiss Cisse is well on the way to becoming a Newcastle legend!
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This is how professionals should behave! Nice to see he is in touch with his fan base….simply brilliant!
Thought he couldn’t speak English yet, how did he communicate with the kids and barber? Never the less is great to see him go out of his way to thank these young fans, I’m sure they’ll remember it for a long time.