TV star sends Brenden Aaronson World Cup message with reference to Leeds United terrace chant

The fictional AFC Richmond head coach, whom the wider media claim bears similarities to Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, has embarked on a campaign to wish each member of the United States’ World Cup good luck before this year’s tournament in Qatar.

A serious of billboards have been erected in players’ hometowns across the United States, with personal messages penned by Sudeikis’ character as the US take on England, Wales and Iran in Group B.

Aaronson is the latest to receive a personal message, displayed publicly in Medford, New Jersey, which reads:

“Brenden,

It makes sense that you were raised in Medford whose tagline is “Historic in Nature,” ‘cause that’s how I’d describe the way you play the game. Heck, folks are even callin’ you “The American Boy.”

I know how tough it can be as an American overseas. A cookie’s a biscuit. Chips are fries. Pants are underwear.

But what remains the same no matter what side of the pond you’re on, is that you were barn to be on the USMNT. You were barn to play in the games of all games. And you were barn to go all the way.

This billboard’s on a barn, right? ‘Cause if not this joke isn’t gonna make sense.

Another American Boy,

Ted Lasso

Lasso’s reference to 2008 chart-topper ‘American Boy’ by Estelle, is a nod to Leeds fans’ creative terrace chant which references Aaronson’s nationality, already sung at several grounds throughout England this season.

Aaronson’s journey from Philadelphia Union’s academy in the States to the World Cup, via Austria and the Premier League is one which has left the 22-year-old’s family beaming with pride.

Speaking to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Brenden’s father Rusty said: “I’ve used the word ‘surreal’ too many times so I can’t really use it again — but it is.”

"I can’t even imagine when we’re watching him warm up [for] the first game against Wales and then England,” Rusty said. “’Proud moment’ is an understatement.”