Legendary footballer Rose Reilly has revealed Sir Rod Stewart sent a surprise video birthday greeting to lift her spirits after the death of her husband.
The trailblazer – who was named the best female footballer in the world in 1984 when she won the then equivalent of the Women’s World Cup with Italy – turned 70 earlier this month.
And she has told of her delight at receiving an unexpected message from the 80-year-old music legend wishing her a happy birthday from his mansion in Florida.
Rose, who also played for Scotland as well as competing professionally for a number of top women’s European sides, lost her Argentinian husband Norberto Peralta last year.
Rose, from Stewarton, Ayrshire, said: “My 70th birthday was on January 2 and receiving a very thoughtful birthday message from Rod was a wee bit surreal.
“I mean it’s Rod Stewart, he’s a legend. He also mentioned my difficult year as I lost Norberto in July. Rod, apart from being a superstar, is just a beautiful guy.”
In the video message the Maggie May rocker and Celtic fan said: “Hi Rose, it’s Rod here wishing you a happy 70th birthday. I know you’ve had a difficult year but let’s make this year a special one. Happy 70th darling.”
Rose left Ayrshire to become a professional footballer in Europe when she was just 17.
She met doctor Norberto in Italy 27 years ago when he was treating her for a leg injury and they married soon after and had a daughter, Valentina.
After winning the league with Reims in France, she moved to AC Milan and picked up two titles.
She played for nine Italian clubs over 20 years, winning eight league titles and four Italian Cups.
Mum Rose won the golden boot in 1978, scoring 43 goals for Catania, and in 1981, hitting 45 for Lecce. She was appointed as Celtic Women’s Football ambassador in 2023.
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