Kyle Lafferty reveals the reason behind his touching Sunderland goal celebration
Kyle Lafferty has explained how his first goal for Sunderland was dedicated to kitman John Cooke – after the popular figure saw his father pass away on the eve of the game.
Lafferty netted the opener in the Black Cats’ 2-2 draw with Gillingham in what was his first goal for the club, and immediately headed to the bench to celebrate with Cooke.
And the 32-year-old has now revealed how he promised the kitman he would dedicate any goal he bagged against the Gills – believing it was ‘only right’ to pay tribute to a well-respected figure at the Academy of Light.
“Yesterday we were told that Cookie's Dad died,” explained Lafferty.
“Cookie is one of the boys, everyone loves him, so I said if I scored I would dedicate the goal to him and his Dad.
“I think it was only right to go over to him.”