There’s more to Declan Rice than meets the eye, and here are some intriguing facts about our newest signing that Arsenal fans may not know:
- The number 41: Declan has chosen to wear the number 41 shirt at the Emirates Stadium, the same number he had at his previous club West Ham. It holds sentimental value to him. As it was the number given to him by The Hammers kitman, while he was playing for their youth sides.
- Inspirations: Alongside idols such as Sergio Busquets and N’Golo Kante, Rice has admired Jorginho’s style of play and passing ability, aiming to add elements of it to his own game.
- Familiar faces: The England international has shared the pitch with the Gunners’ Bukayo Saka for England on 21 occasions, including Euro 2020 and the recent 2022 FIFA World Cup. He’s also acquainted with fellow players such as Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, and Emile Smith Rowe.
- Buddy Eddie: Rice and Eddie Nketiah were teammates in Chelsea’s academy. Nketiah’s home-cooked jollof rice fueled the team during their travels.
- First goal against Arsenal: The irony. Declan scored his first goal for West Ham against Arsenal in January 2019, sealing a 1-0 victory. Surprisingly, Eddie Nketiah is the sole player from that matchday squad who remains at Arsenal.
🚨 Confirmed: New signing Declan Rice will wear his iconic #41 at Arsenal, breaking a first-team tradition for squad numbers. 4️⃣1️⃣ #afc pic.twitter.com/JM0KMLpvcs
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 15, 2023
- Every second counts: In the 2019/20 season, the midfielder played every minute of all Premier League matches, joining the ranks of Gary Kelly, Frank Lampard, and Wayne Bridge as players under 21 to achieve this feat.
- Experience despite age: At just 24, Rice became the youngest player to reach 200 Premier League appearances. He also holds the record as the youngest player to achieve 200 league matches for a single club at West Ham, joining the likes of Cesc Fabregas.
- Impressive rankings: Last season, the new Arsenal man topped the Premier League charts for possession won and interceptions, while ranking second for carries and in the top 10 for total tackles. He also scored four goals and excelled in transition phases from defense to attack.
- Legendary leader: Rice captained West Ham to victory in the Europa Conference League, becoming the youngest player (24 years and 144 days) to lead an English team to triumph in a major UEFA competition since Bobby Moore in 1965.
- Crossing the London divide: The Kingston born man joins a select group of players who have represented both West Ham and Arsenal in the Premier League, including Jack Wilshere, Freddie Ljungberg, and Lukasz Fabianski. He is the first player to join directly from West Ham.
- Shirt collection: Declan has a collection of football shirts at home, including an Arsenal wall featuring signed jerseys from Arsenal icons such as Ian Wright, Jack Wilshere, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and David Luiz.
- Awards and accolades: Rice has won multiple individual awards during his time at the London Stadium, including Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year. He was also recognized by UEFA as the Europa Conference League Player of the Season in 2022/23.
- Off the pitch: Rice enjoys golfing, playing darts, and pool in his leisure time. He’s a sneakerhead with an impressive collection of footwear. He has a consistent pre-match meal of sea bass and rice. Some choice!
With these fascinating insights into Declan Rice’s life and career, Arsenal fans can now look forward to his contributions on and off the pitch. But especially on the grass, as they hope his signing is that start of something really really special at the club.
Writer – Yash Bisht
Waiting For Declan!!! – Dublin Arsenal Supporters 22/23 ARSENAL MID-SUMMER REVIEW
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