Arsenal star Declan Rice defends girlfriend against body shaming comments

Rice's personal life became the focus of attention after several X and Instagram accounts mocked Fryer and shamed her for her appearance.

While many wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of other football stars are all models, and singers who have attractive figures, Fryer is considered to have a normal appearance and some said she does not have what it takes to be a WAG.

Declan Rice and his long-time girlfriend Lauren Fryer. Photo by Instagram/@laurenfryer_

In response to the comments, Rice talked about his girlfriend at a match press conference. He praised her for being a realistic, funny, beautiful and kind person. Rice said he loves his girlfriend more than anything, she is his haven when he feels lonely and he loved her even more after their son was born.

"She is the love of my life and I don't need an upgrade," Rice said.

Fans later praised Rice as a "true gentleman" when he defended his girlfriend.

At the end of December last year, an anonymous account posted a photo of Rice and Fryer on vacation with the caption: "Declan Rice is a millionaire, a football star, fit and tall but decided to choose a fat white girl. I don't understand this world anymore." Last month, another account revived the story by writing: "It's a shame Declan Rice has low standards. He earns £40,000 ($49,800) a day and plays for one of the biggest football teams in the world but chooses to be with an unfortunate woman like that."

The accounts that body shamed Rice's girlfriend faced a lot of criticism.

"Declan Rice is a successful, professional football player. He has a beautiful girlfriend who he has been with since they were both 17. They are also the parents of a beautiful child. He is happy and blessed," user @AFC_Chlo wrote in support of Rice and calling these accounts "a disgrace to the Arsenal fan community."

Despite Rice standing up for her, Fryer was still affected. She has deleted all photos and posts on Instagram, The Sun reported. Rice and Fryer have been together since their teenage days after meeting at school. After seven years together, the couple welcomed their first son in summer 2022.

At 25, Rice has become one of the best defensive midfielders in England. He has been with West Ham United since 2015 and captained the club before moving to Arsenal last summer. He played for the Republic of Ireland youth teams before representing England in 2019.