Rice hailed for giving tearful young West Ham fan 'memories to last a lifetime'

Declan Rice showed Premier League footballers how it's done after making a young West Ham fan's day following their 1-0 win over Manchester United.

The midfielder spotted an emotional child as he walked off the pitch at the London Stadium and immediately went over to give him a high-five, a cuddle and his shirt.

It comes after Leeds' star were slammed for completely blanking a group of supporters as they walked through their hotel, and after Arsenal's players were criticised for failing to interact with a young girl as they signed her shirt.

After clocking the young Hammers fan in the stands, Rice tossed his phone aside and approached him, saying: "Are you alright, brother? Why are you crying?" before giving him a hug.

The child then asked for his shirt, to which Rice responded: "You know what, I did promise it to [Marcus] Rashford. Don't show them lot [pointing to other fans] because I've just told them I'm going to give it to Rashford, but I'll give him another one."

The West Ham skipper then removed his top and handed it over before ending with another hug, sweetly adding: "I love you, mate."

Is Declan Rice the most likeable footballer in the Premier League? If not then who is? Let us know in the comments section below.

The boy's father posted a clip of the heartwarming interaction on social media, writing: "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."

Rice later replied: "Seeing your boy made my night. This is what it's all about! Would be a pleasure to sign it for you."

Fans on social media were left gushing over the 24-year-old's friendliness and generosity, with many branding him a "class act".

"Love this @_DeclanRice. I'm not a West Ham fan but I'm a fan of decent human beings with big hearts. Class act mate," one person tweeted. A second added: "What a lovely video this is. Declan Rice seems like a genuinely lovely bloke."

A third commented: "Just a quick note to all the Leeds players who walked past their fans who were waiting for them in the hotel lobby. This is how you do it! Class act."