S'pore boy gets birthday surprise - from Chelsea's John Terry

msazali@sph.com.sg

A Singaporean boy in Bukit Panjang received an early birthday surprise on Thursday (Sept 15) -  presents from English Premier League club Chelsea and a personal message from Blues captain John Terry.

Chelsean Matteo Luke, who turns six next month, received Chelsea goodies such as a bag, a kids' magazine, miniature football, and a stationary set.

Chelsean at Stamford Bridge. Photo Courtesy of Shyam Luke

His father, Shyam Luke, has been a fan of the London club for 25 years, and named his son after the club.

A letter, addressed to Chelsean, read: "Dear Chelsean, on behalf of all the players and staff at Chelsea Football Club, I would like to wish you a very happy 6th birthday.

"We hope you have an enjoyable day. We all appreciate the support you have given us.

"It really does make a massive difference to have the best fans in the world behind us."

It was signed off by Terry, the former England captain who has made more than 700 competitive appearances for Chelsea.

John Terry's letter to Chelsean. Photo Courtesy: Shyam Luke

Mr Luke, a teacher, said: "When my son was two years old, we took him to Stamford Bridge (Chelsea's home stadium) while on holiday, and the staff at the club were shocked to learn someone named his kid after the club.

"We even managed to meet John Terry at the club's Cobham training ground. Chelsean was too young to understand at the time, but now, when we watch games, I tell him: 'That's Uncle Terry, you met him once'.

"When the mail arrived, he was very happy and so surprised."

But this is not the first time Chelsean has received gifts from Chelsea on his birthday.

When he turned one, the club sent a birthday card and a poster signed by all the players, and an autographed picture of Terry, after Mr Luke wrote to the club asking if they could send a video message wishing his son.

And when Chelsean turned three, they also sent another birthday card.

Photo Courtesy: Shyam Luke

But this is the first time the club have sent the cherubic boy different gifts.

Chelsea are no strangers to reaching out to their Singapore supporters.

In 2014, German winger Andre Schuerrle wished Singapore a happy birthday in a video posted on the club's Facebook page.

Last month, Blues star Eden Hazard sent the Republic's first Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling a personal congratulatory video message, after it was made known the swimmer was a Chelsea fan.