Tom Brady reflects on ‘humbling’ first visit to English soccer team Birmingham after becoming a minority owner and vows the team ‘is on the rise’ after dramatic win over Leeds
Tom Brady took to Instagram to deliver a heartfelt statement after watching English soccer team Birmingham FC play for the first time since he became a minority owner.
Brady announced his involved last week, on his 46th birthday, and flew to England to watch Birmingham‘s first home game of the new English soccer season – the team beat Leeds 1-0 with a penalty in the last minute.
Brady visited fans in a local pub – The Roost – before the game and bought a round of beers for supporters, which came in at $700.
‘Birmingham, that was an incredible day and a such a special experience,’ Brady posted as the caption to a slideshow of pictures from his day at St. Andrew’s stadium.
‘From the moment we walked into The Roost, to the second the penalty hit the back of the net, your energy was humbling and a moment I won’t ever forget. Thank you to all the supporters for welcoming us into this family with open arms.’
Birmingham co-owner Tom Brady attended his first game in person to watch the team
The future Hall of Fame quarterback posted a statement about his experience to Instagram
Lukas Jutkiewicz scored a last-minute penalty win it for Birmingham against Leeds
‘To the players, coaches, attendants, and rest of the staff, congratulations on a well deserved day, but we’re just getting started. With everyone’s support and continued hard work this club can go special places. Birmingham is on the rise.’
‘Sports have always had the most incredible impact on me and my family, as well as so many other families. It brings people together in ways that’s so many other things can’t. I look forward to the journey ahead!!! LFG #KRO’
Brady also spoke to the team in the locker room for the first time before the game, which may have proved to be a good luck charm seeing as Birmingham won the game on a last-minute penalty kick.
After the game Brady and team chairman Tom Wagner also shed some light on Brady’s addition to ownership.
‘It was a great day,’ said Brady, to ITV Football. ‘Obviously winning the game but seeing the experience of the fans and to turn out for this home game and see all the renovations that Tom [Wagner – Birmingham chairman] and his team have put together has put together and done, it’s been very exciting.
‘Things have happened kind of fast and furious but it’s been a great experience today.
‘And hopefully it’s the start of a very long-term meaningful impact to this community and sports fans around the world.’
He continued: ‘For me I’m a fan of sports, I’ve been playing sports since I was a kid and I’ve been a big fan of your version of football for a long period of time too.
Brady said that Birmingham is ‘on the rise’ after he reflected on his first visit to the team
‘It’s a global sport, I’ve enjoyed following it over a long period of time. Had family involved in it over a long period of time so when Tom [Wagner] presented me with the opportunity it was a no brainer for me.’
‘Tom is actively engaged in the operations on the sporting side of the team, he’s gonna play a meaningful role. And the other fans of championship teams probably wish that it was a publicity stunt,’ said Wagner.
‘Unfortunately for them it’s much more than that. I think others will adopt a lot more of what Tom [Brady] has done and proven to be successful in American football and I think this is a great platform for Tom getting his message out.’
