Fenerbahce have paid for a Manchester United fan, Louis Diamond, to fly to Istanbul to meet Robin van Persie after a video of the youngster crying at the news of the Dutchman’s exit from Old Trafford went viral.

The video, filmed by Diamond’s parents, came to the attention of Fenerbahce supporters who started an online campaign to raise $2000 (£1,281) in July so that Louis could get the chance to be reunited with his idol.

The clip found its way to the Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim who then decided to invite the Diamond family to Turkey. Yildirim’s invitation was accepted and they arrived in Istanbul on Thursday evening to be greeted by the Fenerbahce TV crew.

The five-year-old will watch the opening game of the season between Fenerbahce and Eskisehirspor on Friday evening from the president’s box at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium. Although Van Persie’s participation is not yet confirmed, with the Dutchman only returning to training on Wednesday after injury, he will meet the Diamond family after the match regardless.

A Fenerbahce board member, Ilhan Eksioglu, had another surprise in store booking the family a five-day holiday in a popular summer holiday destination Antalya.

“We want to thank Fenerbahce and the president for making this happen. We can’t wait to see Robin van Persie play,” said Diamond’s father Sam upon arriving in Istanbul.

Van Persie completed his move from United to Fenerbahce last month on a transfer fee reported to be worth £4.7m. The 32-year-old striker signed a three-year deal in front of 18 000 fans at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium and made his debut in the goalless first leg of the Champions League preliminary play-off round against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Holland international, however, did miss the return leg which Fenerbahce lost 3-0.

The Turkish side will face Atromitos in the Europa League play-off stage next and will qualify for the group stages should they make it past the Greek side.

Van Persie was not the only player to join United from Fenerbahce over the summer. Nani also joined the Yellow Canaries on a three-year deal last month for a £4.3m fee.

Fenerbahce have made a total of nine signings this summer including former Lille defender Simon Kjaer, Brazil international Josef de Souza, Turkey internationals Ozan Tufan, Sener Ozbayrakli and the Brazilian Fernandao, who was last season’s top scorer in the Super Lig with Bursaspor.