Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice surprised a 14 year old fan from Uganda with a video call that turned into one of the club’s most heartfelt supporter moments of the year.
Nathan, who lives in Najjemba and plays football using crutches, was profiled in a short feature that showed him training on a dusty pitch, talking about how the sport lifts his spirits and helps him, in his words, “overcome the evil memories.”
He described Arsenal as his favourite team and said his favourite player is Declan Rice.
The club then connected him with Rice for a live call. Nathan, wearing an Arsenal jacket and headphones, froze in disbelief when Rice appeared on screen.
He greeted the midfielder with, “Right now, even I want to cry,” before asking Rice about the origins of his passion for the game. Rice replied, “Good question. Um, I think my passion for football started when I could first start to walk.”
The midfielder then told Nathan he hopes to meet him one day, saying, “One day we are gonna one day I am going to meet you.”
Rice also revealed a gift. Holding up an Arsenal shirt, he said, “I am going to get this shirt signed for you.” He added, “And then I am going to get your name on it, and then I will sign it to you, and then we will send it to you.”
Nathan covered his face and laughed through tears, responding, “Okay, thank you. Thank you. I love you, Declan Rice.”
The call ended with Nathan repeating how happy he was and Rice telling him, “My man. Lovely to speak to you. See you soon.”
