Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has spoken warmly about Barcelona star Lamine Yamal after the teenage forward showed kindness to Rice’s young son following a recent match between the two clubs.
Rice revealed that his son is a huge admirer of Yamal and was initially unsettled by the prospect of his father lining up against the player he idolises.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Sunday, Rice was quoted as saying, “My son is a huge fan of Lamine. I told him I was going to play against him, and he kept asking me why I was going to face Lamine.”
After the game, Yamal took time to interact with the boy in a gesture that clearly left an impression on the England international.
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“But Lamine was really lovely to him, and as a father, I really appreciated that gesture. Such kindness,” Rice continued.
The Arsenal player suggested Yamal’s caring nature may stem from his own family responsibilities.
“I know he has a younger brother he looks after, so I think it comes naturally to him. I was really touched by that gesture. It shows just how respectful and humble Lamine is.”
The comments highlight a lighter, more human side to the intense rivalry between two of Europe’s top clubs and underline the respect Yamal, still only a teenager, commands both on and off the pitch.
