“It’s not just about winning; it’s about how we dominated them,” said Mauricio Pochettino prior to the United States’ Nations League semi-final against Panama.

In the CONCACAF Nations League final, Panama will face Mexico, who secured a 2-0 victory over Canada at Sofie Stadium in Inglewood.

Cecilio Waterman was the hero for Panama, scoring in the fourth minute of injury time. He celebrated by running to the commentary area to embrace Thierry Henry, one of the broadcast’s analysts. The acclaimed French striker was initially taken aback, as other Panama players joined in the celebration to the disbelief of Clint Dempsey, the former US national team player also commentating the match in California, where the finals are occurring.

“Yesterday at the hotel, they asked me who my idol was. I replied: always Thierry Henry! I’ve looked up to him since my time at Arsenal – he has been my inspiration forever. When I scored, I saw him and had to greet him,” said the 33-year-old forward for Chile’s Coquimbo Unido.

A budding friendship blossomed; the Frenchman promised Waterman a jersey with a personal note from his Arsenal days, but…

“The jersey that Waterman wore when he scored in the final is now mine. He gifted it to me with his autograph. A wonderful exchange…” Henry remarked and continued:

“It was unbelievable!? Honestly, I was in shock. This was the end of the game! He really made me stunned. I never imagined being a part of such a celebration without having scored or being on the field myself. Just look at how much it meant to them. He was very close, and I could see in his eyes that he was in a state of euphoria. Thankfully, I understood Spanish. When he said – eres mi idolo (you are my idol), it felt just right. A special moment,” Henry concluded.

The Panama national team is set to clash with Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League final on March 23rd, and Waterman will be eager to embrace his idol once again.

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