Manchester United striker, Marcus Rashford has been receiving commendations for helping the less privileged kids in the country through the school meals initiative.
This is coming shortly after criticizing the UK Government for not extending the free meals programme until Easter.
He has been getting supports and commendation from several quarters for the laudable initiatives, with a plethora of messages on his Twitter handle.
Speaking to BBC, the United academy product says he “couldn’t be more proud to call myself British” after the community response to his campaign to get free meals for children during the half-term holiday.
After his request was turned down, Rashford raised a petition which requires 10,000 signatures to get the attention of the government and 100,000 signatures for it to be considered for debate at the UK parliament.
This has got the attention of some councils and businesses that have offered to provide food during the break for those who are entitled to free school meals.
Lampard, Klopp, and football clubs, pundits praise Rashord for free school meals initiative
Lampard says he is impressed by what has been done by the teenage striker ahead of their meeting in the Premier League clash which ended 0-0.
“He is a fantastic player, a fantastic talent. It is great to see young players with personality and a voice speaking up about things he cares passionately about.
“I absolutely commend him for that. There’s a group of players in the Premier League now who are that sort of age [who are speaking up].
“It doesn’t matter who you play for, when people speak out like he does, I think it is a fantastic thing and he deserves his credit for it,” Lampard said.
On his part, Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp says what Rashford has achieved so far is incredible, as he didn’t forget his root.
“I’m not sure I can find any better words than other and much smarter people than me said about it. But what Marcus started there is absolutely incredible and it’s so nice.
“With all the rivalry between the clubs and stuff like this, in these moments as footballers – and as human beings – [we are] always united.
“It’s just nice to show in a time when obviously a lot of people who are really in charge of something and don’t show any sign of proper leadership, that a boy grown up in difficult circumstances, blessed with a sensational talent obviously, never forgot his roots and where he is coming from.
“That he has to do it then is a bit of a shame but is wonderful as well. I hope his mother is really proud of him. I don’t know him but even I am. He plays for United, which makes it really tricky,” the German told his pre-match press conference.
Having praised by some of his teammates, Arsenal out of favour player, Mesut Ozil also lauded the striker for the incredible work he is doing.
“Congratulations on all your amazing work @MarcusRashford!
“What you’re doing is an incredible achievement that is helping so many kids here in the UK. Keep up the great work,” he tweeted.
Congratulations on all your amazing work @MarcusRashford! What you’re doing is an incredible achievement that is helping so many kids here in the UK. Keep up the great work 👏🏼 #EndChildFoodPoverty
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) October 24, 2020
Serie A top club, AS Roma also encouraged Rashford to keeping going with the idea.
Keep going Marcus Rashford 👑
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) October 23, 2020
Meanwhile, BT Sport pundits Joleon Lescott, Joe Cole and Jake Humphrey also declared their admiration for Rashford in light of the initiative.
🗣 "He's someone I look up to, even though I'm older than him."@JoleonLescott, @MRJakeHumphrey and Joe Cole have nothing but respect for @MarcusRashford. 👏 pic.twitter.com/ZpQ1fZmYjp
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 24, 2020
Rashford overwhelmed by the support
Reacting to the support he has been getting since criticising the UK Government, the England striker said he was “overwhelmed”.
“Even at their lowest point, having felt the devastating effects of the pandemic, local businesses have wrapped arms around their communities today, catching vulnerable children as they fell.
“I couldn’t be more proud to call myself British tonight,” Rashford, who became an MBE earlier this year said.
