A DUNDEE-MAD Scot has recreated a childhood picture after catching up with her footballing idol – over two decades on.
Gemma Blake has supported her local side Dundee FC since she was a child and was delighted to grab a long-awaited follow-up snap with striker Fabian ‘Tyson’ Caballero.
Argentinian Caballero arrived in the city of Discovery in 2000 and stayed for five years before leaving for Paraguay, but the duo were reunited last week at a testimonial match.
Gemma, 30, shared a touching image of the pair online last week which shows them together all the way back in 2000 and now, 23 years later.
In the original image, a then 7-year-old Gemma is being held up by a smiling Caballero on the advertising hoardings whilst both smiling for a photo.
The youngster is wearing the Xara Dundee kit of the time whilst her Argentine idol is sporting a red jumper known to be used in warm-up exercise before the game.
The second image shows them together again in the modern day, with Gemma snapping the selfie of the pair back at Dens Park.
Retail assistant Gemma is stood wearing a green jacket with a fur hood and a Dundee scarf as she beams at the camera.
Former Arsenal striker Caballero is wearing a Dundee track jacket with the club emblem emblazoned on the left-hand side.
He holds a programme for the testimonial – dedicated to Cammy Kerr – who was being celebrated for his more than 10 years of service to the Dark Blues.
The striker had just finished playing in the game which finished 1-0 to the Dundee Select against a young Celtic team.
Gemma shared the pictures on social media last week with the caption: “23 years apart.”
Her post received dozens of likes and comments from fellow fans of the club.
One said: “That’s brilliant.”
Another added: “That’s absolutely class.”
Speaking today, Gemma said: “Ever since I can remember coming to watch Dundee, he was one of my favourites along with Gavin Rae.
“Caballero was my idol – just the way he played and his skills – I was ecstatic [when I saw him] and couldn’t wait and I hoped I could get another picture with him to recreate 20 years ago.
“He said hello and I sent him the pictures and he replied saying they were very good.
“Currently my favourite player of the team is Zak Rudden, I don’t know what expectations I have for this season, but I would love for us to get top six.
“If we manage to avoid the play-offs, I’ll be more than happy for a first year back in the top league of football in Scotland.”
Dundee return to action this weekend against Hibernian at Dens Park as they look for another win to keep them in the top six.
