Jim White was left visibly moved by an emotional call from a Aston Villa fan telling England to win for his late friend.
Sunday’s Euro 2024 final has brought the nation together, with it set to potentially ignite the largest celebration with a generation of supporters who have longed for success.
However, for one Aston Villa supporter, who called into the talkSPORT radio station on Friday, a win for the Three Lions would have a bigger meaning.
Should they beat Spain, it would end of 58 years of disappointment for the men’s senior team, having suffered so much heartbreak in that time.
For Danny, seeing Gareth Southgate and his team lift the Euros trophy would be particularly meaningful having had it tough this year in which he suffered a personal tragedy.
A powerful moment earlier from @talkSPORT and @JimWhite. Sport is such a potent tool for those with challenges with their mental health. Football is just a game, but the camaraderie, the shared experience, is really important for so many out there. Also big love to @JimWhite… pic.twitter.com/FLvAzrxSEn
— TheLakesTony 🌳🐿 (@TheLakesTony) July 13, 2024
He said on the White and Jordan show: “Earlier on this year, I lost a very close friend to suicide.
“Emotion-wise when Villa qualified for the Champions League, that was quite special, but to win the Euros – I’m welling up about it now – it would mean everything.
“And to any chaps out there struggling, just remember there’s always somebody to talk to.
“So, come on Southgate, bring it home and let’s have a party.”
Jim White said: “Danny, that was quite a message. We’re sorry for your loss, my friend.”
Danny replied: “Football does mean a lot to a lot of people,.
“Last year was one of the hardest times of my life and I started listening to talkSPORT every day at work.
“And you and Simon [Jordan], Benty [Darren Bent], Gabby [Agbonlahor] and a lot of you made me laugh at the lowest point of my life, so thank you.
“You and Simon, I don’t think you know the impact you had. Pretty much because of you two, my kids have got a dad, so thank you.”
White: “If you’d like to come and meet me and Simon and come down to London for the day, we would love to host you at talkSPORT. Take me up on that, mate. We’ll organise that.”
Danny: “Superb, thank you. And come on England, let’s bring it home. Ollie Watkins, 90th minute winner again… and to anyone who wants to buy him, he’s not for sale!”
Twitter users saw Jim White visibly moved by emotional call from the Aston Villa fan telling England to win for his late friend…
@1981marc: @BellinghamJude bring it home mate! For us and the Villa and Danny and his mate ❤️ 🏴
@1981marc: Does anyway know Danny so we can tell him how much he is loved and how this tweet has had such massive support? #BCFC #Vila #talksport
@Bentson87: Absolutely. Well said Danny. 💙
@jameswassell: Nice one Danny wherever you are, takes a real man to open up like that ❤️
@Adey_Craig: Football will never just be a game
@PsSpud: Wow, such a positive message 😭😭
@coopsrun: Got me too. Fair play Danny for calling in and being so honest
@higgy45537357: Life is very tough, it’s a battle but football and having loved ones support means the world. #MentalHealthMatters
@lats96: Big up Danny for real man. A problem halved is a problem shared lads, let’s stick together in these tough times. 🩶
@BillBones84: A lovely message. Football means so much more to all of us because of the connections we have with others.
@KScreaton: I was listening to this live, made me stop and listen.
@BallyDrilltec: Wow hay fever is strong this morning
@nickhollands84: Bless your heart Danny boy! Life is bloody tough for us men! Tomorrow night could perk us up like nothing else! Thinking of anyone who has lost their closest
@JTBath: Listened to this live, powerful call, god bless him.
@cbuzz686868: Well said Danny, that was an incredible powerful message, there are more important things in life than football colours. I too have lost people to suicide, its painful. Stay strong 🙏❤️
@NCPaine: A real tough listen. But nothing truer spoken that “football does mean a hell of a lot to some people”. Fucking come on England 🏴
@Becccckkkss: Football is so much more than just a game! Very touching this, come on England ❤️🏴
@bertblack69: Villa family are there for everyone utv
@beckyshortland: Football is the most wonderful thing and I won’t have a bad word said against it. A win tomorrow would bring our entire country together no matter what differences. Our sport is so important and I’m so lucky I get to call it work.
@HammersHive: Top man Danny, and Jim, quality stuff 👏
@CoreExodia: Had me in tears in the van this! Could feel the emotion through his voice
@quinney1971: Remember listening to this emotional moment, brilliant call mate 👍 hopefully you’ll be sat having a beer for your mate as European champs, 👍
@KM_5102: Beautiful ❤️
@Cookieraider82: As football fans regardless of our teams we should all come together to support others when they really need it, so reach out to those around you when you need support no one will think less of you in fact we will all think a lot more of you for asking when you reall need it
@jake_const15: Funny this, I listened to Talksport quite often but after my cousin hung himself I’ve used it as a comfort thing at home and at work – our life was being proud Coventrians and Englishmen up here in Scotland, I hope we can do it for you Reece. Smile down on us tomorrow ❤️🤍🏴
@melt77: Many of us sadly know of someone who took their own life, people may sneer at football fans, but having that place to go, where you feel a part of something and a focus once a week is a lifeline for many of us. Come on England, do it for Danny and everyone struggling right now 🏴
@jonbyrne5: Absolutely love supporting City, they have gave me some amazing moments, but nothing comes close to watching England at a major tournament with all my mates!
@TustinLRC: Massive respect to Danny and aI hope he is okay and enjoys the match. Lads it’s not cowardly to talk about your problems; reach out if the bravest thing you can do. #BCFC #AVFC #mentalhealth #EURO2024 💙🤍🦁
@jetstream83: Sport…. Has a wider impact. Just because you don’t like football… just remember that. Your passion has a wider impact whatever it is. So when the ‘couldn’t care less crowd’ turn out tomorrow (even though they’d secretly be watching) just remember there’s a wider impact. 💪🏽
@420WiFF: Jim’s class 👏
@codlover9292: Listened to this live on m25 sat in traffic. This hit me. Just sat there in tears and pulled over 😐 men don’t talk about their mental health, let’s change that. As of now I admit I’m struggling with mine on a daily basis. I get by but some do not #mentalhealth #TalkSport
@Sneathyboii11: Lets win this for Danny and his mate 🏴❤️
@CraigRudders: Spoke to a @officialcufc fan before our game toda. Told me that following the club had a huge impact on him recovering from tough times. Football can just take us away from those day to day struggles. So thank you for sharing that with me. Always here if anyone needs a chat 💙
@will_costello: What a call Danny the future is bright mate
@JoshWhatmough: Got me this. Always talk fellas, someone needs yous 💙
@CcfcAddy: Nothing but the utmost respect to Danny, so well spoken and brave. I hope he’s okay wherever he is 🩵
@LloydMCBriz: I think we’re all Danny, it’s utterly heartbreaking how many people have been impacted with losing a friend, or personally feeling like the world is too much at times, I know I have. Talk to your friends, you are loved, you are valued. Come on England and come on lads.
@bedworthbcfc: Yep. Got me too.
@jonmurph1990: So genuine when @JimWhite’s ears perk up to listen in when it truly matters
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