Update: this dad loves Bayern Munich so much, the club sent his son a real Lewandowski jersey

A few weeks ago, I wrote about a homemade Lewandowski jersey I made for my son to wear to soccer camp. I was so pleased with how it turned out that I decided to share it with the BFW community. Felt letters on a red tennis shirt never looked so good:

Photo John Dillon

I was so proud, in fact, that I decided to tweet the story to the mothership - Bayern’s official German twitter account (@FCBayern) - and of course Robert Lewandowski himself (@lewy_official). Maybe a picture of my son in his jersey would somehow reach Lewy himself and give him a smile. Wouldn’t that be cool?

After a few days, Bayern’s US social team suddenly got in touch with me (follow them at @FCBayernUS - they are verifiably awesome). They loved the story and wanted to send my son a jersey. Needless to say, my son was thrilled to have a real jersey. He wore it to his next practice. As for me, I wore mine for our season opener against Leverkusen.

I obviously love writing stories about Bayern Munich’s doings. I’ve loved Bayern for a long time and feel strongly about its history and unique Bavarian culture. But the way that this particular story touched me and my son reminded me of another important reason why I identify so much with this faraway German soccer club that believes so strongly in winning and keeping the support of its fans.

If you love Bayern Munich, the club really loves you back. Nothing is taken for granted. That generosity of spirit toward us, the fans, might just be the most sensible thing this famously sensible club does.

Mia san mia.