Joy-Lance Mickels has been a Manchester United fan since childhood, and on Thursday the Rwanda international will fulfil a lifelong dream.
The 32-year-old is expected to start up front when Azerbaijani side Sabah travel to the home of the Red Devils in the opening round of the league phase of this year’s Champions League (20:00 BST).
“I watch every [Man Utd] game when I can,” he told the BBC World Service.
“It was the best draw we [Sabah] got in my opinion. It makes it even better because we’re going to play in Old Trafford.
“Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world so it will be a proud moment to step out on to the pitch.”
Mickels is in his second stint with the side based in the town of Masazir, which lies about 16km (10 miles) north-west of the capital Baku.
He has played an important role in helping the Azerbaijan Premier League champions progress this far on their debut in the competition.
The forward scored four times in qualifying as the club, founded just nine years ago, navigated four two-legged ties to reach the Champions League proper.
One of those goals was the strike which ultimately sealed a 6-4 aggregate win over Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva after a 94th-minute goal had forced the play-off tie into extra time.
“Reaching the Champions League is an historic achievement for Sabah and starting the league phase at Old Trafford makes it even more exciting,” Mickels said.
“At the same time, we’re not going there only to enjoy the atmosphere. We want to compete to represent not only our club but Azerbaijan in the best possible way and show we deserve to be there.”
Leave a Reply