Arsenal mascot with Robin van Persie (Arsenal). Sunderland 1:2 Arsenal. Barclays Premier League. Stadium of Light, 11/2/12. Credit : Arsenal Football Club / David Price.

eight-year-old Freddie meets stars at match between Arsenal and Sunderland

An eight-year-old boy from Dover was selected as mascot for the Premier league match between Arsenal and Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Junior Gunner Freddie Padfield met the Arsenal team, including club legend Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie, before the north London team went on to beat Sunderland 2-1.

Being a member of Arsenal’s junior supporter’s club, the Junior Gunners, gave Freddie the once in a lifetime chance of walking the team out onto the pitch.

“It was just brilliant to have been chosen. Meeting the whole teem was amazing and I had a great day. And seeing Thierry Henry score the winner in the last minute made it even better.”

Robin van Persie said: “It was great to meet Freddie at the ground ahead of our match with Sunderland. I hope he enjoyed the experience and will remember the day for a long time to come.”

Sue Campbell, manager of the Junior Gunners, said: “We were delighted to offer Freddie the chance to be our mascot for the Premier League game with Sunderland. This is one of the many occasions throughout the year where our Junior Gunners get the opportunity to meet their heroes, and it is always a memorable day.”