Arsenal FC’s defender Jurrien Timber who is currently in Rwanda for a visit has described the experience as an "amazing” and "exciting” one.
Alongside his girlfriend, the Dutch international landed at Kigali International Airport on Thursday, December 14 to start his three-day visit which will involve various activities including meeting and interacting with youngsters.
The trip is part of Visit Rwanda’s multi-year partnership with Arsenal FC.
"It is an amazing experience. Lots of people can say the same, I was excited to come. And even as I am here, I am more excited to be honest," he said during a media interview he had at the airport.
This is Timber’s first visit to the African continent.
He will experience Rwanda’s remarkable hospitality and culture, travel to Akagera National Park to enjoy a Big 5 safari, interact with Arsenal fans in Kigali and Nyagatare, as well as visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay respects to the victims and to learn more about the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The 22-year old defender is the second Arsenal men’s first team player to visit the country since the partnership’s launch, following in the footsteps of former Arsenal defender David Luiz who visited Rwanda in 2019.
"My expectation is to have a nice time. We have a full program, so I am going to enjoy the time. My girlfriend came with me. I think we can have a good time,” he noted.
Over the years, Arsenal legends Edu Gaspar, Robert Pires, Alex Scott, Tony Adams, Lauren, Ray Parlour, David Seaman, Sol Campbell, and women first team players Caitlin Foord, Jordan Nobbs, Jen Beatie, and Katie McCabe have visited Rwanda.
Timber, a central defender cum right back joined Arsenal from Ajax during the summer transfer window, but has made just one appearance for the team due to injury.
He says he is getting better and closer to fitness.
"I am feeling good. It (recovery from injury) is a long process. A lot of hard work! I can't complain about how it is going now,” he said.
Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board, welcomed Timber to Rwanda, promising that he will have a great time in the "vibrancy and beauty” of the country.
"Jurriën’s visit in Rwanda avails an opportunity to showcase to the World our country’s energy, creativity and transformation. We also guarantee him a one-of-a-kind experience with some of our most talented young footballers who aspire to play at his level one day and represent Rwanda on a global stage,” Gatare said.
Visit Rwanda’s partnership with Arsenal, as the club’s inaugural Sleeve Sponsor and Official Tourism Partner has been highly successful in making Rwanda a must-see holiday destination for football fans and tourists around the world.
An independent survey conducted by Hall and Partners of Arsenal fans across 30 markets found that 75 percent of Arsenal fans were not aware of Rwanda as a tourism destination, and, as a result of the partnership, 51 percent of fans are now more likely to consider Rwanda as a tourist destination, demonstrating a shift in perception and understanding of the country.
In 2022, 1.1 million people visited Rwanda with the country earning over US$ 445 million in revenues.