Maguire meets football lover River Rhodes

Friday 18 February 2022 12:00

Manchester United club captain Harry Maguire had the “absolute pleasure” of spending time with a brave little boy, River Rhodes, on Thursday evening.

The young football lover from the Midlands is currently receiving radiotherapy treatment in the local area and our squad was honoured to meet him at the Premier League match against Burnley. 

Jesse Lingard and Jadon Sancho both gave their match-worn shirts to River on the night, and he also posed for pictures with the entire squad. Cristiano Ronaldo went on to share his pic on social media and proud dad Ryan admitted the family cried tears of joy when they saw the post online. 

Inspired by River’s ongoing bravery and courage, family man Maguire took time out from his preparations for Leeds away by visiting River again on Thursday night. 
Video
Wholesome content alert: watch six minutes of Harry's kickabout with River.
Harry put together a box of United gifts, including a personally signed shirt, and enjoyed a kickabout with football-mad River. They took free-kicks against each other and talked all things football.

Maguire shared a video of their time together on Twitter and wrote: “Absolute pleasure to meet this legend today. A great chat and even better kickabout. Thanks River. Stay strong!” 

On social media, River’s father Ryan said: “We just want to thank you all for today, Harry and his family are really, really nice, caring and loving people. They have gone over and beyond for River.”
WE ARE INSPIRED BY RIVER’S COURAGE

Earlier this month, Cristiano shared a photo of his meeting with River to his followers and wrote an emotional caption about the experience. 

“Children are and will always be the best thing the world has to offer, and we must protect them at all costs. Supporters are and will always be the best in football, and we must respect everything they face and endure for their clubs.”

Jesse also posted this on social media: “Pleasure to meet you River, you’re an inspirational young man battling cancer and winning. Stay strong and keep fighting.”
Access All Areas: Burnley 1 United 1 Video

Access All Areas: Burnley 1 United 1

Our latest episode of Access All Areas stars a very special boy called River, plus unseen footage from Turf Moor...

MAKING EVERY DAY POSITIVE

The way that River is handling his treatment and staying upbeat is a lesson for everybody on how to tackle adversity. And the young football lover has inspired plenty of big names in recent weeks. 

Here are just some of the famous faces who have had the honour of meeting him…

 

Recommended: