When Kazuo Sobajima moved to Brighton from Japan in 1973, he instantly fell in love with the club.
The Goldstone Ground became a second home to Kazuo, called Charlie by his friends; a place where he cheered for the Seagulls and felt part of a community.
When he returned to Japan years later, the distance made following his beloved team challenging. Limited internet access and a lack of coverage meant that, for a long time, Brighton & Hove Albion faded into the background of his daily life.
But then, in 2017, everything changed.
In a heartfelt letter penned to Kaoru Mitoma, Charlie wrote: "Everything changed when Albion reached the Premier League. It brought my beloved club back into my life."
Mitoma, in particular, held a special place in Charlie’s heart. As a star for both Brighton and Japan, he bridged the gap between Charlie’s two homes.
"Thank you for bringing pride to Albion fans and for representing us with Japanese skill and dignity," Charlie wrote.
Last summer, Charlie reunited with his club, watching Brighton play live for the first time in over 40 years during their pre-season tour in Japan.
"At the Goldstone Ground in the 1970s, I don’t recall seeing many Japanese fans, but on that day, there were thousands of Japanese supporters united in our love for Brighton," said Charlie.
"I was overwhelmed with emotion, I tried not to cry because I was with a friend, but I did...a little bit."
Having seen Brighton fulfil his dream of playing in Japan, Charlie yearned to see the Seagulls in action at the Amex Stadium for the first time, the club's home since 2011.
For his 72nd birthday this month, Brighton arranged the ultimate surprise - flying Charlie to England to experience his first-ever match at the Amex, some four decades after his first game watching the south coast club.
When he arrived, Charlie was welcomed by former Brighton centre-back Andy Rollings, a player he remembered fondly from his early days as a supporter.
Charlie then met former manager Alan Mullery MBE, current head coach Fabian Hurzeler and chief executive Paul Barber OBE.
Then came the perfect ending. Not only did his hero Mitoma score an incredible goal as Brighton beat Chelsea 3-0, but Charlie finally met him after the match.
"This is the best birthday present I have ever had," he said. "It was worth coming all the way from Japan just to see him."
Mitoma was equally delighted to meet Charlie, as he explained.
"I imagine it was very difficult to continue supporting a team in a time when information was not available, and I think you need to have a lot of passion to do so," said Mitoma.
"I think it is that kind of passion that may have brought me here. In that sense, I think he's [Charlie] left something behind in Brighton."
