Declan Rice Hails Arsenal’s Rise After UCL Triumph Over Madrid
The England international, who joined the Gunners from West Ham United in the summer, spoke with conviction about the club’s future under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice holding a trophy. Photo/Getty Images.
By Robert Assad
Declan Rice has expressed his belief in Arsenal’s growing stature in European football, following their dramatic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
The England international, who joined the Gunners from West Ham United in the summer, spoke with conviction about the club’s future under Mikel Arteta.
“I sensed it when I signed for Arsenal that we were on an upwards trajectory… HERE THE MANAGER IS UNBELIEVABLE,” Rice said, glowing with pride after the final whistle. “I feel we can do special things in the next few years, with this coach and this mix of players.”
Rice played a crucial role in the midfield battle, helping Arsenal gain control in key moments of the match. The Gunners came from behind to seal a memorable win, with Bukayo Saka equalizing in the 65th minute and Gabriel Martinelli netting a stoppage-time winner to stun the Bernabéu crowd.
Manager Mikel Arteta, who has overseen Arsenal’s steady return to the European elite, shared a heartwarming post-match moment. “Carlo Ancelotti told me that he HOPES Arsenal win the Champions League!” Arteta revealed a sign of the mutual respect between the two managers.
While the night was filled with jubilation for Arsenal, Real Madrid players were left disappointed, with Dani Ceballos offering a brutally honest assessment of their performance.
“We lacked football, we lacked intensity, we weren’t competitive, we didn’t win duels,” Ceballos admitted. “Arsenal were superior.”
The result has not only knocked Madrid out of Europe’s premier competition but also cemented Arsenal’s place among the continent’s top teams this season.
Their blend of youthful energy, tactical discipline, and mental resilience has been praised across the footballing world.
For Rice, the journey with Arsenal is just beginning. His leadership and physicality have quickly made him a key figure in Arteta’s setup, and his words reflect a belief that the Gunners are building something lasting.
With the Champions League dream still alive and domestic ambitions in full swing, Arsenal fans will be hoping Rice’s vision of a “special” future is just around the corner.
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