West Ham United midfield enforcer Declan Rice has gone viral on social media after he was filmed giving his shirt away to a young supporter after Sunday night's 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Back in the squad after missing the Hammers' 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last Wednesday night through illness, the England midfielder produced a brilliant performance, helping the Londoners ease their relegation fears. Said Benrahma, via the aid of a howler from David de Gea, scored the only goal of the game to ensure the Hammers scooped all three points.
Rice was excellent in the engine room, sending a firm reminder to United of what he would add to their midfield options if they were to move for his signature this summer. He is admired by the powers-that-be at Old Trafford and he would add a new dimension to their pool of midfielders.
READ MORE: David de Gea is a test of Erik ten Hag's ruthlessness
And following the full-time whistle, Rice offered a glimpse of what he would bring to United off the pitch as well. After doing his post-match media duties, a young Hammers supporter was filmed waiting for the midfielder as he made his way back towards the tunnel.
The youngster was so overwhelmed at being up so close and personal with one of his heroes that he started crying as Rice approached him. That prompted the midfielder to speak with him and ask him why he was upset.
Rice said: "Are you alright, brother? Are you good? Why are you crying?"
Rice then comforted the youngster and gave him a hug, adding: "Come here. Good lad."
The youngster then plucked up courage to ask Rice if he could have his shirt, to which the Hammers ace duly obliged, even though he had already promised to give it to United ace and England teammate Marcus Rashford.
Rice said: "Do you know what, I did promise it to Rashford so don't show them lot. I'll give him another one so here you go. I've hurt my shoulder as well so you can have that."
The youngster then said "thank you" to Rice and leaned in for another hug in a heart-warming exchange between the pair of them. Before walking off, Rice said: "Good boy. Love you, mate. Love you."
The youngster's father, Micky, captured the whole embrace on video, uploaded it to Twitter and wrote: What a hero you are @_DeclanRice, thanks so much. If anyone can help me get this signed please as I didn't have a pen."
The video has since gone viral on social media, attracting, at the time of writing, more than 35,000 likes. It also promoted a response from Rice himself, who vowed to get the shirt signed, saying: "Seeing your boy made my night. This is what it's all about! Would be a pleasure to sign it for you."
READ NEXT:
