![Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber revels in 'exciting' trip to Rwanda [VIDEO]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/14122023/1cb93ef9-0efb-435a-9b0a-dd90f8dba070.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
The summer signing is visiting Rwanda as he continues to step up recovery from a knee injury.
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has described the experience of visiting Rwanda 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.
"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.
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23:22 - 11.12.2023
He is flying — Mikel Arteta provides update on Timber's injury
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provides an update on the injury situation of Dutch defender Jurrien Timber.
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.
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23:50 - 11.12.2023
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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.
Follow our Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more updates.
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