Danilo lifts lid on magic Rangers moment with fan in Hampden stands as classy Brazilian 'just wants to give back'

Danilo described reaching the Viaplay Cup final as a dream - and the Brazilian made one young lad in a mask’s come true as well.

The Rangers striker made a beeline for the boy, who was hoisted on his dad’s shoulders wearing a mask that looked uncannily like the one Danilo has been wearing since smashing his cheekbone earlier in the season. The kid was also waving a Brazilian flag, so there was little doubt who was ending up with the striker’s shirt at the end of the 3-1 Viaplay Cup victory over Hearts that was sparked by Danilo winning the penalty - converted by James Tavernier - that eased Philippe Clement’s side to victory.

The former Feyenoord attacker smiled: “When I went out on the pitch I saw the Brazilian flag with the mask. So it is really special. I don’t have words for the love that they give me. I just want to give back.

“It just reminds me of when I was a young boy as well and I also wanted a shirt of a footballer. I was really happy I was able to do it because I never got one!

“I really liked (Brazilian) Ronaldo when I was a kid, but I never had the time to really watch him in the stadium. It was a dream for the boy. I hope if he is a football player he can make his dreams come true and keep enjoying what he is doing.”

Danilo was the last man off the Hampden turf as he lapped up his love affair with the Rangers support, who sang: ‘He’s Brazilian, he’s only worth £6 million’ on a loop, much to his delight.

“The song is brilliant,” he said. “I love hearing it. Yesterday actually I was with my wife and she said, ‘Dani are you going to sing your song?’ And I said, ‘yeah!’ I just love this song and it’s become stuck in my head. I appreciate it.”

He also appreciated the two goal contribution of his captain James