Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has brought some festive delight to a young supporter ahead of Christmas.
9-year-old James has a cancerous spinal tumour and is currently undergoing chemotherapy as he begins his road to recovery while learning to walk again.
Leno and his wife Sophie travelled to Kent where they surprised young James with a signed jersey, goalkeeping gloves and chocolates, before the Arsenal man posed for photos with James and his father.
The meeting was organised by children's cancer charity My Shining Star, who offer emotional and financial support to families going through the trauma of childhood cancer.
Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac have both supported the charity in recent years, while Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan and Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger have also taken part in surprise meet and greets with young fans ahead of the festive period.
29-year-old Leno now has less than two years remaining on his contract with the Gunners and is being linked with a move to Serie A champions Inter Milan.
Leno has previously admitted he is "open to everything" regarding his future, when speaking about his situation in April earlier this year, and more recently has admitted that he could depart sooner rather than later after being usurped as no.1 by summer signing Aaron Ramsdale.
“There was no clear reason why I was out, but it had nothing to do with my performance. He [Arteta] is the trainer, he decides. Of course, it’s difficult for me," Leno said to SportBild, via Sport Witness.
“But I’m not seriously thinking about that yet. I feel comfortable at Arsenal and in London.”
“Only if nothing changes in my situation by winter would I have to think about things: what option do I have, how can I continue? But I’m concentrating on my work in training; I can’t commit to anything else at the moment.”
