Sheffield Wednesday star Jordan Rhodes writes heartwarming letter to 10-year-old fan to explain his Hillsborough move
New Sheffield Wednesday striker Jordan Rhodes has written a heartwarming letter to a young fan to explain his departure from Premier League Middlesbrough.
In a handwritten note to Boro fan Oliver, 10, the new Hillsborough goal-grabber said that he had been "quite sad" on Teesside and "frustrated" at not being able to play.
The 27-year-old joined the Owls during the January transfer window after being restricted to only six league appearances at Boro in the first half of the season.
In the letter, accompanied by a signed picture, Rhodes explains why he left the Riverside and added: "I hope to see you playing number 9 for Boro one day'.
The gesture, which was shared on Twitter, drew widespread praise online, with the striker's international teammate Charlie Adam applauding him, describing the gesture as "brilliant."
Rhodes writes in the letter: "Dear Oliver, Thank you for your letter and writing to me.
"It made me smile at a time when I was quite sad at Middlesbrough. I was quite frustrated at not being able to play or even being on the bench sometimes.
"So like you did I have had to change teams sadly. I would love to hear how you are doing at Riverside Juniors and hope you have scored some goals. I really loved playing for Middesbrough and living in the area too.
"I hope you continue to enjoy your football as well as working very hard at school and one day I hope to see you playing number 9 for Boro.
"PS. I hope your brother is ok too as I remember you both from training."
The picture of Oliver clutching the letter was posted on Twitter by user @SarahWarren82 who wrote: "What a guy Jordan Rhodes is! Oliver wrote to him while he was at Boro and this arrived today. He's over the moon. Thank u good luck at@swfc."
The tweet has been retweeted more than 1,400 times and liked more than 4,000 times.