A Mario-inspired intro showing Joao as Mario on a red pipe in front of a stadium.
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Footballer Given Mario-Inspired Welcome By Club

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West Ham finalised the signing of Joao Mario on 26 January and made the announcement with an awesome Mario-inspired welcome video.

The Portuguese international joined the English club on a six-month loan from Internazionale and will no doubt have loved seeing his transfer go viral on social media.

Check it out here:

Tapping into the iconic Mario franchise, Joao could be seen rising out of a warp pipe in front of the London Stadium as the “Hammers” trademark bubbles float across the screen.   A familiar looking “?” box appears which rewards Mario with a football rather than a mushroom.  The video finishes with the hashtag ‘welcome Mario’ appearing on the screen.  West Hams badge is predominant throughout the video.

As a football fan and gamer, it’s great to see my favourite sport give a nod to my favourite hobby.

Now all they need is to sign Luigi Giorgi…

Written by John

I'm a 35-year-old gamer, clinging onto the gamepad despite real-life responsibilities trying to pull me kicking and screaming away. I created GrownGaming to meet other adult gamers. Nice to meet you.