DEPUTY First Minister Martin McGuinness says he is looking forward to attending his first Northern Ireland football match when the team face Germany today in the Euro 2016 crunch match.
The Sinn Fein Foyle MLA will be in France to watch the Northern Ireland game which kicks off at 5 pm.
He will also attend the Republic of Ireland do-or-die encounter with Italy on Wednesday.
Northern Ireland could qualify for the next round with a draw. A defeat would send them home.
Mr McGuinness said it was “an opportunity to reach out the hand of friendship”.
He told BBC Radio Ulster that while he did not know the words to fan-favourite chant ‘Will Grigg’s On Fire’, he was confident of getting a good response from Northern Ireland fans.
“I just met a large group of fans here at the airport from the Northern Ireland fans club, and they were all looking photographs,” he told Good Morning Ulster.
“So, if that’s a barometer of where people’s thoughts are at, it should be grand.
“I do believe that sport has a unifying effect.
“The reports back from France have clearly shown that the fans of both Irish teams have been very, very well appreciated and well received.
“Also the fact that they have come together whenever they meet each other on the street, it’s very heartwarming that people appreciate how unifying sport can be for all of us.”
Mr McGuinness also said that while he had been to Windsor Park for football matches he had never seen Northern Ireland.
“As a very keen sports fan and soccer fan, I am looking forward to these games.
“It’s tantalising given Michael O’Neill’s team are playing against Germany, the world champions, and Italy, who were described as no-hopers before the competition, have now developed into one of the favourites.”
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