Ochirvaani Batbold, 27, travelled all the way from Mongolia to Manchester on a bike (Picture: Ochirvaani Batbold/SWNS)
What would you do to meet your idol? Well, Ochirvaani Batbold, 27, cycled 8,699 miles from Mongolia to Manchester to see his hero Wayne Rooney.
The Manchester United fan set off from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on May 5 2023, and arrived in Manchester 365 days later on May 5 2024.
In total, Ochirvaani cycled through 17 countries including China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and England.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing spending eight to ten hours a day on a bike.
He was also declined a British visa three times but this didn’t stop him meeting Rooney and watching Man Utd against Arsenal at Old Trafford from the directors’ box.
The meeting came about because Ochirvaani wrote a letter to Manchester United that said: ‘I’m currently cycling from my home in Mongolia to Old Trafford because I love Manchester United.
‘Wayne Rooney has always been my hero. I loved his relentless work ethic, versatility and ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments. He was always an inspiration.
‘When I was younger all I ever wanted to do was to be a professional footballer and to play for Manchester United, however I experienced a difficult situation.
‘I lost a significant amount of money after being deceived by someone posing as a football agent. I felt like I was living a nightmare.’
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This map shows the long route Ochirvaani took (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The football fan managed to complete the cycle in 365 days (Picture: Orchivaani Batbold/SWNS)
When the club saw the letter they decided to organise a surprise for Ochirvaani involving Rooney.
He thought he was being invited for a tour of Old Trafford but Rooney suddenly appeared from the concourse to meet him.
Ochirvaani said: ‘He read my letter and it was really comfortable to speak to him.
‘He is so kind and we spoke for about 20 minutes. It was like speaking to my friend and it was a dream and I will never forget that feeling.
‘Manchester United is the biggest inspiration in my life.’
Ochirvaani got to meet his idol Wayne Rooney (Picture: Orchivaani Batbold/SWNS)
The keen cyclist seen standing proudly by Manchester United’s famous Old Trafford stadium (Picture: Orchivaani Batbold/SWNS)
He even got to watch a match at the famous stadium (Picture: Orchivaani Batbold/SWNS)
Rooney said to him: ‘I really wanted to come and meet you and just say well done.
‘I know you might think that we inspire you, or we inspire the fans, but what you’ve done is an incredible achievement and you should be really proud of what you’ve done.’
Ochirvaani has idolised Rooney ever since he watched him play for Manchester United against Liverpool when he was 13 in 2010.
Throughout his journey he camped in a tent and raised a total of £7,000 during the challenge.
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‘It was amazing. It was a long journey, difficult and challenging but the finish was amazing,’ he said.
‘My favourite moments were always when I saw beautiful nature and landscapes. They gave me peace, comfort, and happiness.
‘I met so many people in different countries. They were very kind and inspirational.’
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