Pope Francis Delighted After Receiving Signed Shirt From Man United Star

• Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has gifted Pope Francis a signed shirt
• The jersey was delivered at the Vatican by an entourage from Manchester led by the Mayor of Greater Manchester
• Martinez is currently out injured after he fractured his metatarsal while in action against Sevilla

Pope Francis could hardly hide his delight after he received a signed Manchester United shirt from Lisandro Martinez.

Martinez has enjoyed a stunning start to life since moving to Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2022.

The Argentina international has gone on to establish himself as a key squad member for Erik ten Hag this season, with the centre-back forming a formidable partnership with Raphael Varane at the heart of United's defence.

However, the defender's season came crashing down last week after he suffered a season-ending injury while in action against Sevilla in Europa League.

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The Sun reports the ex-Ajax star fractured his metatarsal and has since undergone a successful surgery as he embarks on his journey to fitness.

Martinez gifts Pope signed shirt

The Man United defender recently gifted Pope Francis a signed Man United shirt, sparking excitement from fans.

The shirt is understood to have been delivered when the Pope met with the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and religious leaders at the Vatican.

The Pope was all smiles as he received the shirt, which Martinez accompanied with a beautiful message which read:

"Your holiness, with much love, Licha."

Meanwhile, United will be hoping to cope in the absence of Licha as they enter a crucial moment of their campaign.

Harry Maguire is expected to step in in the absence of the Argentine, with the underfire United skipper partnering Victor Lindelof.

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Ten Hag provides update on Licha

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Lisandro Martinez left the pitch in tears after picking up what looked like a serious injury on April 13th. The Manchester United defender went down after no contact from any player, clutching to his ankle looking to be in complete distress.

Martinez was part of Erik ten Hag's starting eleven as they welcomed a struggling Sevilla to Old Trafford for the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinals.

The Argentina international was helped off the pitch by his fellow World Cup-winning teammates Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna. The former is remembered for scoring the decisive penalty against France in the final on December 18th.