The man who walked to the World Cup: England fan who spent five months WALKING to Russia from UK

"I feel a bit like Forest Gump."

These are the words of a football fan who walked all the way to Russia from the UK in order to support England in the World Cup.

Former soldier David Mills, 48, achieved the incredible feat as part of his plan to walk around the entire globe.

Speaking to the Standard, the life-long England fan said he planned his trip to coincide with the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and to raise money for charity.

“I love to travel and I’ve always enjoyed exploring,” he said.

“I was looking on my map at all the places I had been and saw a huge gap where Russia was.

“I had been to the previous World Cup in Brazil and I stayed for four months either side to travel, so I thought I would do the same with Russia.

“Then I just thought, ‘you know what I would love to go around the world.’”

Mr Mills said he began planning his trip two years ago before setting off in February 2018.

His journey began in Coventry. He walked across England to Dover before he crossed over to France.

“The only time frame I was working to was the World Cup. I knew I had to be in Volgograd for the first game,” he said.

On his way there, Mr Mills visited France, Germany, the Alps, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Ukraine, Moldova and Kiev.

“I have no idea how many miles I have covered, all I know is I need to buy a new pair of walking boots,” he said.

Mr Mills said although he tried to walk the whole way, he occasionally hitch-hiked during his journey.

Living in his tent, Mr Mills said he has also relied on the kindness of strangers to put a roof over his head throughout his trip.

During his travels he stayed with a fraternity brother in Germany and an Olympic skier in Bosnia.

“The trip has been all about the people” he said.

“Everyone I have met has been so friendly and nice.”

Mr Mills said the atmosphere in Russia has been one of extreme excitement.

“The first few days in Volgograd were amazing. Everyone there was so excited. There’s just so much good feeling from all the nations.

“There was a bit of negativity surrounding the World Cup in Russia before British fans arrived, but it’s the best set up I’ve ever seen.

“The people are friendly and helpful and there is no bad feeling at all,” he said.

Mr Mills said his World Cup highlight so far was Harry Kane’s late goal against Tunisia in England’s first game of the tournament.

“We were a bit nervous before because we’re England and we always blow it, but that goal settled a lot of nerves,” he said.

When asked if he thinks England could go all the way and win, he said:

“Absolutely. I do think England can go all the way. One thing we have seen in this World Cup is that big teams can suddenly go out, so it is anyone’s for the taking.

“We have as good of a chance as anyone.

“If we win I can’t explain how happy I will be, there will be tears, that’s for sure.”

Mr Mills said after the tournament he plans to visit Serbia, Mongolia, Lao, China, Cambodia and Thailand.

Eventually he hopes to get to Japan to meet his daughter Elisha, 22 who is currently working in Australia.

Speaking about his family he said: “At first they thought I was a bit mental but my mum and dad have been following my journey online and always comment on my Facebook posts.”

He said his partner Andrea who is a humanitarian worker has come out to visit him during his time away.

“We meet up in various parts of the world, she came and found me in Bosnia and plans to join me in Siberia,” he said.

Mr Mills said he has not got a set date for when he plans to return to the UK.

“If things keep going the way they have been I might never come back.

“At the moment I am living my best life,” he said.

Mr Mills is raising money for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Familes Association, a charity which supports veterans as part of his trip.

Donations can be made via his Just Giving page.