Keir Starmer jokes he helped Arsenal sign Declan Rice | OneFootball

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, isn’t shy about his deep-rooted passion for Arsenal Football Club.

In a recent interview with The Daily Telegraph, Starmer shared anecdotes and insights that showcase his genuine, long-standing support for the Gunners.

Britain’s main opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer takes his seat for the English Premier League football match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at the Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, central England on April 20, 2024. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

He recalls a playful incident involving his son and Declan Rice: “So, when we played away at West Ham last year and Declan was still a West Ham player, I took my son. Mark Noble, Mr West Ham, took us down to meet Declan. And so, my boy had his programme open ready for signing and obviously we put the contract for Arsenal in underneath! Declan signed it and thought he was signing the programme, but actually he was signing for Arsenal!”

In the interview, Starmer also emphasises the emotional connection of watching games with his son and friends, describing it as a “release” from his demanding political career. “It takes you completely away from the day job,” he explains. “I go with one of my very best friends, who I know from school, his son and my son…to walk down the road to the Emirates with our two sons in front of us, is a really incredible feeling and I love that.”

The Labour leader if full of praise for the current Arsenal squad and manager Mikel Arteta, highlighting the team’s intensity and spirit. He acknowledges the challenge of beating Manchester City but remains hopeful for Arsenal’s title chances.