Hull City stars David Meyler and Liam Rosenior signed copies of FIFA 15 and played fans ahead of a midnight launch at Game in St Stephen's Shopping Centre. Lucy Leeson reports.
Premier League footballers playing fans on an even playing field can only mean one thing – FIFA 15 is finally here.
The Game store at St Stephen's shopping centre has been packed with eager gamers today ahead of the launch of the much-anticipated EA Sports FIFA 15 at midnight.
Joining in with the excitement and keeping the fans entertained this afternoon were Hull City players David Meyler and Liam Rosenior.
They were on hand between 4pm and 6pm to sign sleeves of the game for those who had pre-ordered it.
Meyler said: "It's brilliant to meet the fans and I am so excited for the launch of FIFA 15 – it is a great game.
"There's a lot of us at the club that play FIFA and I am looking forward to trying out the new game against some of the fans."
Meyler said FIFA was a popular choice for the City squad, but admitted it was a weird feeling to see himself in the game.
"It is strange when you see yourself on a game you have played for years," he said. "It makes you realise how far you have come.
"It is such a great game to play, I am 25 and I still play it. The first game I got was in 1998.
"It breaks me to say it, but Liam Rosenior beat me in the final of our match. At the minute, he is the champion."
First in the queue to meet Meyler and Rosenior was Michael Green, who was pre-ordering the game for his eight-year-old nephew.
Mr Green said: "My nephew actually plays for Hull City's under-nines team and he is training tonight so couldn't make it.
"I thought I would come down here and get him a signed copy.
"I am a big football fan and think FIFA is a fantastic game."
Luke Eggleton, 17, said: "I love everything about FIFA, it is a fantastic game."
A number of fans had the opportunity to play "money can't buy" one-on-one matches against Meyler and Rosenior as part of the launch.
Rosenior said: "It has been great to meet the fans here – without fans, football is nothing.
"It is also a privilege to be here for the launch of FIFA 15.
"I have played the game since I was a young lad and it is great for getting youngsters involved in the sport."
Hull City fan Harris Langdale had a birthday to remember when he got to meet the players at Game.
The 10-year-old said: "It has been the best birthday ever getting to meet them.
"They told me I had very neat handwriting when I showed them my autograph book.
"I can't wait to go home and play the game."
