Londonderry Fabio Capello lookalike backs bid

As the World Cup draws closer, Michael, aka Fabio, has given Londonderry the thumbs-up in its city of culture bid.

"I love coming home to Derry," says Michael. "In no other town would you find so much culture."

The Stanley's Walk born bricklayer has been impersonating the Italian football supremo since he took over the England job for the past three years

Three years ago Michael realised his luck was in when Capello was appointed England's manager.

"I was at a wedding in Italy with my wife and the waiters kept looking at me," he said.

"They were paying me loads of attention. At the end of the meal they came over, called me Fabio and asked if they could have my autograph."

"My wife told me she thought I really looked like him," he said. "She sent my photo to a few agencies, and then the phone started ringing.

"Since then I've been on GMTV, Sky Sports and several photo shoots. I'm also signed with 15 different agents and have my own website."

"People told me I'd make a fortune but that hasn't happened," he said.

"With the recession people haven't been booking lookalikes the way they used to.

"I do quite a lot of work for charity and opening school fetes."

"I don't wear glasses, although I have managed to get a pair with clear glass to make the role right," he said.

"If I'm out shopping people don't really notice, but when I'm down the local everyone calls me Fabio.

"I love being Fabio, for me it's a bit of fun and a way to earn an extra few quid. But being a brickie during the day is what pays the bills."