Visitors to a Bolton shopping centre were graced by a football freestyler whose skills are out of this world.
Ronaldinho. Neymar. Ronaldo. All players known for their outrageous flicks and tricks on a football pitch.
But Richard Braithwaite, also known as Mr Silky Skills, makes their shows of flair look pedestrian.
Whether it’s doing numerous one-legged press ups while simultaneously balancing four footballs on his body, or just some outrageous flicks that you couldn’t hope to execute in your life, Richard is a master of football trickery.
Read more: Football freestyle legend to kick off the World Cup in Bolton
Richard visited Market Place Shopping Centre on Saturday to showcase his skills and get involved with the Bolton community ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
He said: “It’s been amazing, from the minute (I) went downstairs, just to have a look at where we’re going to be doing our stuff.
“It’s just been a lovely, warm welcome to Bolton. Rachel and Nikki (of Market Place) gave me a lovely welcome, and then going downstairs to meet the guys at Bolton FM.
“The young people just around, and the parents as well, they’ve enjoyed the experience. It’s been brilliant.”
On the day, Richard would showcase his skills and then get people involved, such as passing a ball around and doing freestyle tricks with spectators.
He said: “So freestyle football is just expressing yourself.
“No rules, you can use your hands, there’s tricks that we do with our hands, shoulders.
“So freestyle is really just juggling a football and become creative with the football. So, my creativity involves using two, three and four footballs in some of my performances and some of my moves.”
He added: “I think I am the oldest freestyler in Britain currently, at the age of 52, and I’m about to turn 53 in January.
“It’s a fact that I am. I’m proud to be, because it’s lovely to still be involved in something that so many young people are doing now as well.
“I’d encourage every young person to take it up. Unlike football, you’re only competing against yourself, so that’s a lovely thing about it, it’s non-contact.”
He finished by giving his prediction for the World Cup winners.
Richard said: “I’m going to say Brazil. And a close second, England.”
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