Starmer’s gift to Biden puts him in the same club as Trump

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Keir Starmer’s first gift to a head of state since taking office as prime minister last week reflects an issue that is very close to his heart.

The obsessed Arsenal fan has gifted Joe Biden a jersey of his favorite team as the US President is hosting the NATO conference in Washington DC.

Sir Keir is an Arsenal season ticket holder and still enjoys playing 5-a-side football at weekends.

He made it a point to visit lower-class and amateur teams during the election campaign.

Biden’s shirt features the president’s name and the number 46 to indicate that he is the 46th president of the United States.

Former wearers of the number 46 shirt for Arsenal FC include goalkeeper Dejan Iliev, German attacking midfielder Thomas Eisfeld and English midfielder Henri Lansbury.

But now President Biden joins the growing number of senior US politicians who own an Arsenal jersey, including his bitterest political rival.

Television star and former newspaper editor Piers Morgan, also an Arsenal fan, gave Donald Trump a team shirt with his name and the number 45 on it.

Trump’s youngest son Baron is considered an enthusiastic Arsenal fan.

In addition, Starmer previously gave French President Emmanuel Macron an Arsenal shirt.

Biden is not even the first member of his administration to receive an Arsenal jersey.

During his tenure as Secretary of State, James Cleverly gifted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken an Arsenal jersey with the number 71 to show that he is the 71st holder of this high office.

Meanwhile, alongside his meetings, Sir Keir is desperately trying to see Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka lead England’s efforts to reach the Euro 24 final.

Part of the game will be played during the NATO Council meeting on Ukraine, but Sir Keir may have to rely on officials’ notes for up-to-date information.

But the British prime minister hopes to watch part of the game alongside his Dutch counterpart Dick Schoof, a senior Downing Street official said.

The winner will face Spain in the final, whose Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will also be present.