Footless boy dreams of becoming soccer star

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Footless boy dreams of becoming soccer star

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A footless Brazilian boy is invited to train at Barcelona's academy and meet his idol Lionel Messi.

28 August,2012 06:34 am

Eleven-year-old Gabriel Muniz is just like most Brazilian boys his age -- he hates homework, chores and dreams of being a soccer star when he grows up.Although he stands out as one of his schools top players, Muniz is unlikely to make it into a conventional team because he was born without feet. His mother Sandra Muniz says her son has always lived a normal life despite his physical limitations.Everyday Muniz wakes up at 6:30 and rides his bicycle to school along with his older brother with whom he shares a bed.Last year he received a donated foot-ankle prosthesis, which he uses on rainy days. His mother cannot afford special treatments and said she was glad her son adapted well to his physical challenges early on.He started walking before he was one. We would go after him, expecting him to keep falling, but he never fell, she said.Playing against boys twice his size, in many ways Muniz outperforms them. The shy boy is popular among his peers and is often chosen to be team captain in gym class.His gym teacher, Jose Lopes, said Muniz may help create opportunities for children like him. The disability only exists inside our heads and he is proving it to everyone; he is challenging the social norms. To this day there isnt a Paralympics 11-a-side football team, but Gabriel is showing this will have to change, because he wants to play 11-a-side football, he said.His best friend, 13-year-old Lucas Santos, said Muniz was a great player. He is skilful, he goes after it (ball), he is fearless, and he knows how to organise plays. He also makes good passes, he said. His popularity doesnt stop with the boys, however.Off the pitch, Muniz has also proved to be a heartthrob. He is a good friend, he is funny, he is smiley..., said his 12-year-old classmate Luana Martins.After his appearance in Brazils most popular sports show on TV Globo network, Muniz was invited to take part in Barcelonas vacation training camp in Saquarema.His story and impressive skills inspired the Spanish clubs managers and he received an invitation to meet his biggest idol Lionel Messi next month.