Leeds United star Willy Gnonto may be known for "eating spaghetti and drinking Morretti," according to his adoring fans, but he had a light meal when visiting a Yorkshire Italian restaurant which has become a favourite among players.
The 19-year-old Italian winger dropped in to Tappino's in Westgate, Cleckheaton town centre, just a couple of days after earning man of the match in the White's FA Cup clash against Cardiff, on Friday, January 20.
Restaurant owner and fellow countryman Pino Bianco, 58, from Puglia, spoke of how much he "bonded" with the young star. Willy even brought a signed Leeds United shirt as a present for the restaurant boss.
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Pino said Willy ate a light meal as he was keeping to a "strict" diet as he was training. Willy ordered arancini with smoked salmon and blue cheese, Italian sausage and chicken skewers and drank water, according to Pino.
Pino said: "Gnonto was a really down to earth kind of guy, genuine and we latched on very quickly. He wasn't pretending to be this big man or anything like that.
"He was a decent guy to speak to. I feel like we bonded very quickly. He brought the Leeds United shirt and was pleasant to everybody, all my staff.
"Some of the customers asked if they could take a photo with him. Nice person."
The 58-year-old restaurant boss plans to display Willy's shirt beside Gaetano's for all his customers to see.
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