The England soccer team made a promise to stray-turned-team-mascot Dave the Cat that if they won the World Cup, they would bring Dave home with them.
Unfortunately, England lost to France 2-1 on Saturday. But the team just couldn't part ways with their new friend.
In an interview video posted to his Instagram page, player John Stones said of Dave:
"Big Dave. He's big now. He's getting big."
"I just fed him before I came here."
Stones said of the budding companionship:
"I don't know, the first day we got there, we've got like a little table around the corner."
"Next minute, Dave pops out."
"Then every night he's there, sat, waiting for his food."
Dave may be acquiring a sophisticated palate thanks to his new seat at the table.
"But the other day, actually, he didn't eat all his food."
"We were a bit annoyed at him. We think he's getting a bit greedy."
You can view the video below.
Viewers were elated Dave found a new home.
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
@england and @johnstonesofficial/Instagram
Even though they didn't win the World Cup, it seems the story still has a happy ending.
Welcome to your new life Dave!
@hebagowayed/Bluesky
@waitmanwbeorn/X
@eighthoften/Bluesky 
@antigonesdream/Bluesky 
A1