Arsenal starlet Kieran Tierney has responded to the kind words issued by UFC star Conor McGregor.
The Irish martial arts sensation is well known across the world for his skills in the Octagon ring and his mouth outside of it, but this time it has been kind words which have gone viral.
McGregor was asked which football player he admires the most, with the UFC fighter responding: "Nowadays there is a young guy called Kieran Tierney, he was the captain of Celtic football club until he recently signed for Arsenal.
"He has been a phenomenal supporter of mine and he has risen up. He is a phenomenal football player.
"I'm in conversation with him a lot and he's a great guy and a good kid. I am rooting for him."
In response, Tierney tweeted: "Thank you so much brother! An icon and my hero. Learned so much from you. The King."
Tierney has found game-time difficult to come by at Arsenal since his move from Celtic in the summer but he has impressed in his limited opportunities.
The 22-year-old left-back produced a strong performance in the Gunners' latest clash in the Europa League.
Arsenal came back from behind to beat Vitoria 3-2, with Tierney starting the contest and assisting Gabriel Martinelli's opening goal. Pundits aplenty have now clamoured for Unai Emery to start the defender more regularly.
