(Image: Tom Banks)
Middlesbrough legend Juninho was spotted at a popular Teesside restaurant ahead of the club’s sold-out Legacy Game.
The Brazilian visited Cena in Yarm on Saturday, October 3, and the restaurant shared a photograph of him with the message: "Always lovely to welcome old friends back at Cena."
Cena is one of Yarm's most popular independent restaurants, serving modern Italian cuisine from its High Street base.
The restaurant is particularly known for its wood-fired artisan pizzas, freshly made pasta, seafood dishes and traditional Italian favourites, with a strong reputation locally for its stylish and relaxed atmosphere.
Reacting to the Brazilian's visit to Cena, one fan commented: "The G.O.A.T., and the best footy Boro player that knocked about the streets of Ingleby Barwick circa 1990s."
Another said: "Never been but maybe it's a must-go if the man from Brazil eats here."
Juninho's visit to Cena wasn't the only time fans caught sight of him before the game.
Supporters have shared photographs and videos of the Boro legend at several venues across the North East, including the new Manjaros restaurant in Marton, as fans warmly welcomed him home.
(Image: Tom Banks)
More than 30,000 supporters packed the stadium as almost 100 former players and managers returned for Middlesbrough's Legacy Game.
Arriving from São Paulo in 1995, Juninho remains one of the club’s most remarkable signings - with three distinct spells at the Riverside making him one of the most iconic players to wear the Boro shirt.
Juninho celebrates Middlesbrough's Carling Cup win in 2004 (Image: PA)
Juninho said ahead of the game that Teesside had always "felt like home", with fans turning out in force to welcome him back.
His return was one of the biggest talking points of the Legacy Game, earning a standing ovation from supporters before kick-off, and scoring a penalty in front of the North Stand.
Juninho waves to the Riverside crowd ahead of the Legacy Game (Image: Tom Banks)
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In front of a sell-out Riverside crowd, almost 100 former Middlesbrough players rolled back the years as Erimus claimed an entertaining 8-7 victory over Ironopolis.
The event was a major part of the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations, with Fabrizio Ravanelli, Geremi, Yakubu, Aitor Karanka, Tony Mowbray and Daniel Ayala among those returning to the Riverside.
For Boro supporters, spotting the 'Little Fella' in Yarm before watching him pull on a Middlesbrough shirt again capped a memorable weekend of 150th anniversary celebrations.