Arsenal defender Rob Holding has revealed how he helped shy new signing Jakub Kiwior take a photo with the Community Shield trophy after the Gunners’ victory over Manchester City earlier this month.
Holding said that Kiwior, who joined Arsenal from Polish side Pogon Szczecin in January, was initially reluctant to have his photo taken with the trophy, but the experienced defender eventually convinced him that it was a moment he would want to remember.
“After winning the Community Shield I was speaking to Jakub, who is really shy, doesn’t speak much English and I said ‘have you had a picture with the trophy yet, with the fans behind?'” Holding told the Timbsy YouTube channel. Via TBR football
“And he was like no, I said let’s get one and he was like ‘no, no, no’.
“I’ve won a few trophies now and when I look back on it I wish I had enjoyed it a lot more and put myself out there a bit more to say I’m getting the trophy because when I look back on it I want to have that photo.
“So I said, believe me, let’s go get this photo you’ll appreciate it in a couple of years. So he was like okay.
“So we kneel down next to the trophy, have a photo and I sent it him on WhatsApp and said there you go mate, and Martin noticed it as well, so he came over and got in the photo as well.
“So at least he has a photo with a trophy now because I don’t know if he’d have even picked it up and lifted it!”
Holding’s gesture is a reminder of the importance of helping new players settle into a new club, especially those who are not yet fluent in English. It is also a reminder of the value of trophies, which are more than just pieces of metal. They are symbols of achievement and memories that last a lifetime.
Kiwior will be hoping to add to his trophy collection in the years to come, and Holding’s help will surely give him a head start.
