Drake presented Rihanna with the video vanguard award at the MTV VMAs with a beautiful speech in which he professed his love for her since he was 22 years old.

The One Dance rapper had missed picking up his own award for best hip hop video, reportedly because he was stuck in traffic, but arrived for the end of the ceremony to hand RiRi the most important trophy of the night.

Drake presented Rihanna with the video vanguard award (Charles Sykes/AP/PA)
Drake presented Rihanna with the video vanguard award (Charles Sykes/AP/PA)

The 29-year-old told the audience about meeting her for first time in 2005, when they worked together on Pon de Replay. Although the two have not officially said they are dating, there have been rumours about them for years.

He said: “Captivating from day one, the iconic being that is Rihanna was already at a place where most artists only dream of going. For them, that’s often the peak, but for her, that was a starting point and she has kept ascending to an untouchable level ever since.

Rihanna and Drake hugged (Charles Sykes/AP/PA)
Rihanna and Drake hugged (Charles Sykes/AP/PA)

“When it comes to music, she relentlessly takes over the charts with every release. When it comes to performance, they swarm in masses just to be in her presence, obviously.

“And when it comes to fashion and style, she makes it seem so effortless until you try to do it yourself, which is when it gets a little awkward.”

“She succeeds by doing something that no one in this music industry does, which is being herself,” he said, adding, “we love the woman who hasn’t changed since day one.”

Drake continued: “She’s someone I’ve been in love with since I was 22 years old. She’s one of my best friends in the world.

“All my adult life, I’ve looked up to her even though she’s younger than me. She’s a living, breathing legend in our industry.”

After presenting her with the award the pair went in a beautiful hug and what appeared to be a quick kiss.

The speech was so full of love that viewers genuinely thought Drake was about to pop the question on stage.

His speech was one of the highlights of the night.

But it raised a lot of questions: did he just get friendzoned?

Say it ain’t so, RiRi! The two did walk off hand-in-hand so there’s still hope.