Tony Watt struggled to hold back the tears as he met the family of Dundee schoolboy Jack Stewart, 6, who died suddenly in May.
Jack, a pupil of Sidlaw View Primary School, was an avid footballer and played for Dundee West FC from the age of three. He idolised United forward Watt.
The Tannadice vice-captain spoke to Jack’s parents, Ian and Jillian, following a recent home fixture against Dunfermline and — upon hearing more about the youngster — was moved to show his support for the family.
Watt dedicated his goal against Peterhead last Saturday to him, writing “For Jack” above footage of the strike on Twitter/X.
The post has received close to 150,000 views and more than 500 likes, garnering praise from friends and family.
For Jack 🧡 https://t.co/FZfIaoa9X2
— Tony Watt (@32watto) October 14, 2023
Watt said: “I met Jack’s mum, dad and sister, and they explained his story.
“They told me about how important the St Johnstone goal (in January) was to him and what I meant to him, even when I was away on loan (at St Mirren). It really touched me. I wanted to start crying as they were telling me about it.
“I spoke to his mum on e-mail and before the Peterhead game I said, “hopefully, I can score today and do a celebration for him”. She sent me one of the nicest messages I’ve ever received after that.
“It wasn’t just for show. If I can make someone’s life even 1% better when they are going through pain, then I’ll always try to do that. It cost me nothing, but meant a lot to be able to do it.”
He added: “I gave them a top and they put it above Jack’s bed. They sent me a couple of pictures and videos of him — and that meant the world to me. His family are doing amazing to still smile every day. They are the strong ones.”
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