#SampthingDifferent: The story of Emanuel and his family, Samp fans in Israel

“Watching a Sampdoria match live is the happy ending to a long journey: I have lived my dream, and kept my word.” This is the story of a promise. Emanuel Kleinman made it to his coach ‘Shoni’ Ceizler, a Hungarian Jew who, during the Second World War, sought refuge in Genoa, and played in one of the two squads who joined in 1946 to form Unione Calcio.

The two met in Israel in the ‘50s: Ceizler’s student was fascinated by his coach’s passion for Samp, and that same passion was passed on, regardless of time or distance, to sons and grandsons. The family was hosted by President Massimo Ferrero at the club headquarters at Corte Lambruschini, and at the Stadio Ferraris for the final home game of last season.