It’s all just the past!

The Canadian rapper looked like he was close to tears as he handed over the award

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.

Drake goes in for the kiss – our hearts melt (Image: Reuters)

Rihanna and Drake pose together during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards (Image: FilmMagic)

That look of love (Image:WireImage)

“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.

Drake presents Rihanna with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award during the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards in New York, U.S., August 28, 2016 (Image:Reuters)

“I think MTV cut out Drake’s marriage proposal to Rihanna because it would have been too much for the general public to handle,” one joked.

Another said: “Really thought Drake was about to propose though. Was about to make a lot of dudes look bad. Like, how can anyone beat a VMA proposal?”

Rihanna closed the star-studded show with another medley which included Stay and Diamonds.