BY NIGEL GAN

THE cold wind pierced my scarf like needles. My body shook uncontrollably.

Yet, I shed tears of joy, thinking: "It's worth it, even if it means I'm going to freeze to death."

It is home to the football team I have supported since I was 11 years old - SS Lazio.

Known as the Biancoceleste (Italian for "White and Blue"), Lazio played against Torino in the Italian Serie A last month, and I witnessed the clash.

The scene that greeted me as I raced up the stadium stairs was explosive. It is definitely more beautiful and impactful than what you see on television.

Speechless, I felt intensely connected with the team I've cheered and cried for all these years.

My childhood dream would not have been realised without the help of Paolo, whom I met over the forum on www.laziofever.com, a website for English- speaking Lazio fans.

Not only did he help me get the match ticket, but he also gave me a lift to the stadium.

It was then that I discovered he is a stadium announcer for Lazio. He even offered to introduce me to the players.

This was more than I had dreamt of, and I was touched by his kind gesture in helping a fan he'd met through the Internet.

There I stood in the stands, among thousands of fans. But, before I knew it, Torino had taken the lead with their first shot in the game.

It was a poor performance and Lazio were jeered off the pitch at half-time. But they re-emerged transformed in the second half, as they fought hard to find an equaliser.

Following wave after wave of attacks, Lazio finally scored! I was up on my feet as I shouted myself hoarse.

After the match ended at 1-1, Paolo told me to wait outside the gates from which the players would leave.

He emerged with goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and introduced us. I also met Francesco Matuzalem and Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, who spoke English and even wished me "Good evening".

Then, I went for supper with Paolo's friends, and was introduced as Gan, "the fan from Singapore".

I do not know if they found it weird that someone from the other side of the planet would support Lazio so fervently. But I enjoyed every second of the get-together.

I truly admire their camaraderie.

This is the club that I'll always have in my heart: SS Lazio.

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