Declan Rice: Why I chose Arsenal over Man City.
Arsenal’s club-record acquisition Declan Rice has spoken about his “gut feeling” about joining Arsenal and how Mikel Arteta was instrumental in his decision.
Declan Rice has stated that Mikel Arteta was the key reason he chose Arsenal over other clubs interested in his services, notably Manchester City.
Rice appeared to be on his way to the Etihad Stadium to play for the reigning champions at one point during the summer transfer window, as Pep Guardiola’s men submitted a bid for the midfielder. However, after West Ham accepted Arsenal’s £105 million bid, the 24-year-old got his desire and agreed to terms with the Gunners.
He has now appeared in all four of Arsenal’s Premier League games, and his 96th-minute winner against Manchester United earlier this month cemented his place in the hearts of the Emirates fans. Many saw Rice’s score as the moment he truly became a Gunners player.
Things could have turned out very differently if City had beaten Arsenal to the punch and signed Rice, but he has subsequently explained why a transfer to the red part of North London was so enticing.
Rice was questioned by Joe Cole, a fellow former Hammer, why he chose Arsenal during Channel 4’s England coverage. “I have to say the manager, Mikel,” he replied.
“I think the moment I met him, I knew he was the one I wanted to handle the next phase of my career.” Just the way he spoke, his charisma, his perspective on the game, and his desire to play football.
“I think you’ve seen Arsenal, the way they’ve played as a team over the last two years, and I could really see myself fitting in, and so far that decision has paid off.” I feel completely at ease; I had a gut feeling that Arsenal would be the club for me from the time I walked in till now.”
Soon after, Cole probed Rice on whether the gap in quality between his old West Ham teammates and his new Arsenal teammates was clear. He kept his response civil, praising some of his former colleagues.
Rice did add, however, “At Arsenal, you see the season they had last year and the individuals they have, probably more national team players, I would say the biggest difference is in terms of how I have to play – you know, much more advanced, much more forward thinking.”
Rice is Arsenal’s most expensive signing ever, and that comes with high expectations. The England international will be well aware that he has been signed to make a difference and lead the Gunners to their first Premier League title in 20 years.