Drake tells Rihanna he's loved her since he was 22 as fans beg him to propose at VMAs

Drake almost had the whole of Madison Square Garden in tears as he presented Rihanna with the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards - and declared his love for the star.

The Canadian rapper, who looked dapper in a smart black suit and bow tie for the occasion, heaped praise on the Bajan singer during his heartfelt speech.

Drake told the crowd they'd met 11 years ago, and admitted he's been in love with her pretty much ever since.

"She is someone I’ve been in love with since I was 22-years-old," he gushed.

"She’s one of my best friends in the world. All my adult life I’ve looked up to her."

He also praised the star, who performed four times on the night, for never changing.

"What’s most impressive isn’t the endless list of stats, awards or accomplishments.

"She succeeds by doing something which no one in this music industry does - and that’s be herself."

This prompted a barrage of tweets from viewers hoping he would propose.