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Rashford discusses various social topics with former US president Barack Obama
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 28.05.21. | 11:01
Manchester United striker met virtually over a video call with Obama
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has spoken with former United States president Barack Obama to discuss the power young people can have to make change in society.
The England striker met with the 44th United States president in a video call organised by Penguin Books. Their discussion also focused on the importance of giving back to your local community and the positive impact of reading.
According to PA media, They also spoke about some of their shared experiences, including being raised by single mothers.
Barack Obama and Marcus Rashford have met for the first time over Zoom! ????????
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) May 28, 2021
They discussed some themes in the President’s book including youth empowerment, giving back and their similar childhoods. #BBCBreakfast has a look at some of the chat ⬇️https://t.co/USfDdCIBCL pic.twitter.com/Do9hRtTkth
Rashford, 23, last year launched a prominent campaign to tackle child food poverty in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic. It led to 1.7m vulnerable children being supported by a £520m Government scheme and other projects have helped deliver 130m meals.
He has also launched a food education and cooking project for children, 'Full Time Meals'.
Barack Obama said:
"A lot of the young people I meet - including Marcus - they're ahead of where I was when I was 23. They're already making changes and being positive forces in their communities."
Rashford added:
"It's quite surreal, isn't it? I'm sitting in my kitchen in Manchester, speaking to president Obama. But, immediately, he made me feel at ease.
"It wasn't long before I realised just how aligned our experiences as children were in shaping the men you see today - adversity, obstacles and all.
"I genuinely enjoyed every minute of it. When president Obama speaks, all you want to do is listen."
In addition to his campaign to end child food poverty, Rashford has also been a prominent figure in the fight against racism in football and online abuse.
The Manchester United forward said he received "at least 70 racial slurs" on social media following Wednesday's Europa League final, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Villarreal.
Following the match, Rashford wrote on Twitter: "At least 70 racial slurs on my social accounts counted so far. For those working to make me feel any worse than I already do, good luck trying."
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