Drake discusses relationship with Rihanna at MTV VMAs 2016: 'I've been in love with her since I was 22 years old'

Drake makes comments while handing Rihanna Michael Jackson Video Vanguard award

Rihanna and Drake after the Diamonds singer was awarded the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award (Rex Features)

Each year the MTV VMAs throws up explosive moments that people talk about for months to come, and this year was no different. There was Beyoncé’s 15 minute Lemonade performance, Kanye West’s six-minute speech, and Drake professing his love for Rihanna.

The Hotline Bling singer presented Rihanna with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at Sunday’s ceremony, calling her his best friend and someone he’s been in love with since his early twenties.

Drake, the long-time collaborator and rumoured love interest of Rihanna, told the crowd: “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 of my adult life I’ve looked up to her even though she’s younger than me.”

Rihanna kissed Drake on the cheek as she received her award, while he buried his face in her neck.

The Work singer then thanked her family, friends and hometown of Saint Michael, Barbados as she accepted the Moonman award for their part in helping her succeed in her 11-year career.

She said: “My success started as my dream, but now my success is not my own. It’s my family, my fans, my country… it’s women, it’s black women.”

Rihanna performed 13 of her biggest hits on the night in a series of performances, including Rude Girl and Only Girl In The World. Her final performance saw her do a medley that included Stay and Diamonds in front of an orchestra.

Additional reporting by PA