Nigerian music sensation Burnaboy stole the show at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium ahead of the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League final, Soccernet.ng reports.
And after the exhilarating clash between Manchester City and Inter Milan, which City won to clinch their first-ever Champions League trophy, Burnaboy returned for the post-match.
Post-match, the vibrant atmosphere continued as Burnaboy made his way to the CBS Sports set, joining renowned TV broadcaster Kate Abdo.
Football legends, including Arsenal icon Thierry Henry, Manchester United stalwart Peter Schmeichel, former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher, and ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards already graced the stage.
An air of excitement enveloped the set as Burnaboy exchanged lively banter with Henry in Pidgin English, leaving fans in awe of their camaraderie.
"You need rhythm!"@burnaboy puts on a special concert for Thierry, @Kate_Abdo, @micahrichards, @carra23 and @Pschmeichel1 and fulfills a life dream by giving his chain to Titi.
pic.twitter.com/R4yhxybjfr
— CBS Sports Golazo
(@CBSSportsGolazo) The Grammy award-winning musician could not contain his admiration for Henry, Arsenal’s greatest player, while candidly confessing his childhood allegiance to Manchester United.
Surprisingly, Burnaboy also revealed his secret wish for Inter Milan to topple Manchester City in the final showdown.
True to his charismatic persona, Burnaboy treated everyone to a special mini-concert, igniting the stage with his energetic lyrics.
Carragher and Richards could not resist joining the infectious dance, making it a memorable moment.
However, the pinnacle of the evening arrived when Henry playfully put Burnaboy on the spot, demanding to know his favourite player among two Nigerian football legends, Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha.
With mischievous delight, Burnaboy tactfully avoided publically choosing between the two icons. Yet, he subtly hinted that Thierry Henry held a special place in his heart.
What followed was a heartwarming gesture that left fans in awe.
Burnaboy unfastened his chain and draped it around Henry’s neck, evoking an exuberant reaction from the former Arsenal star, who joyously exclaimed, ‘Igwe’ – his famous nickname adored by Nigerian fans worldwide.
As the night drew to a close, Burnaboy’s electrifying presence and infectious charm left an indelible mark on the Champions League final, uniting the worlds of music and football.
