Together we're fans with Mitchel Leon-Payo
In this series, we speak to PSV fans from across the Brainport Region.
Walking through the colourful streets of Volta Galvani in Woensel-West (Eindhoven), we bump into Michel. As soon as the conversation turns to football, he starts beaming. What turns out? He has played for FC Eindhoven for years. And as a boy he was already a PSV fan. He had a season ticket for years. And now he also visits the stadium regularly through his work. A real fan, then.
Hi Michel, what do you think makes a real fan?
For me, a fan is someone who has supported PSV since childhood. Actually, I think you have to be from Eindhoven to be a real fan. I was brought up with it. And because I think it's important to uphold that tradition, I also gave my young nephew a PSV outfit.
Are you also proud of Eindhoven?
I'm definitely proud of Eindhoven. It's most fun when PSV gets far in the Champions or Europe League. After all, it's a battle with friends who live in other cities or towns or with business associates. That you can say "we won again" to people who support Den Bosch for example.Oh and another good one to mention: rapper Kempi I really associate with Eindhoven.
PSV's shirt says 'Brainport Eindhoven', what do you think of when you read that?
I have to be honest, I haven't really looked into it. It's on Achtseweg Zuid, isn't it? I think it's very big there. In any case, what comes to my mind pok is technology from the city.
Among other things, Brainport stands for the cooperation between 21 municipalities, which is indeed about technology. What makes the region special for you?
Brainport connects people and that makes me proud. And there are many special places in Eindhoven. In my life, I have lived near special buildings, such as the Evoluon and the Philips Stadium. People who live around it are also often stewards or volunteers. Those connections with people is something I find very important and what I find really special in the region.
If you were to say something to the nearly 800,000 inhabitants of the region, what would it be?
Stay healthy and be kind to each other.
Thank you Michel! I'm sure we'll see you at the stadium soon!