Declan Rice has opened up about the immense pressure he felt as Arsenal awaited a pivotal result from Manchester City, a moment that would determine if the Gunners would secure their first Premier League title in over two decades. The England international confessed to needing a temporary escape from his teammates, finding himself unable to bear watching the critical match unfold on television.
Declan Rice’s unique path to Premier League glory
While most of his Arsenal teammates were glued to screens at London Colney, witnessing the final moments of the title race, Declan Rice adopted an entirely unconventional approach. The star midfielder disclosed that the tension became so overwhelming during Manchester City’s crucial match against Bournemouth that he opted for an extended walk around the training pitches to maintain his composure.
« I grabbed the security guard, Pete, and for the first 40 minutes, we just walked every single pitch, chatting about anything and everything, » Rice recounted. « Then we heard the roar, so we came back for the first goal. I remember thinking, ‘Here we go again.’ On the way back, I told myself I’d tell everyone to stay put. We came back with five minutes left, it was done, but I still couldn’t bring myself to watch. »
His teammate, Bukayo Saka, described the scene as « ridiculous, » explaining, « He must have done about a dozen laps of the training ground. We were all watching the game on TV, but he just couldn’t watch it. It was hilarious. »
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An emotional triumph for the midfield maestro
Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal in 2023, characterized the Premier League victory as an « unbelievably emotional » milestone, concluding the club’s 22-year quest for the title. He particularly lauded Bukayo Saka’s journey, a player who has been with the club since childhood. « He’s been here since the beginning, since he was six or seven. Imagine what he’s feeling; this is truly a monumental moment for Arsenal, » Rice expressed. « It’s genuinely emotional. We’ve waited 22 years for this. He’s a genuine academy product, I believe, since the age of six or seven. So, only he can truly know the depth of his feelings, because to me, he’s already an Arsenal legend. »
Rice reflected on his own experience: « Personally, I’ve been here for three years and have narrowly missed out on three finals. So, to secure this victory with this squad today is precisely why I came. I had an unwavering belief that we would achieve it. I just sensed it. I possessed a strong conviction about this club, these players, and the direction we were heading. I knew we would eventually get there, and it unfolded in the most magnificent manner possible. »
Saka labels celebrations « pure madness »
The jubilation extended far beyond the training grounds. Bukayo Saka disclosed that several players spontaneously visited the Emirates Stadium in the early morning hours, intending to quietly soak in their achievement. However, this reflective moment rapidly transformed into an unforgettable gathering with dedicated Gunners fans who had remained awake, continuing the festivities.
« It was absolutely insane, pure madness. Apologies for my voice; I’m still trying to get it back, » Saka chuckled. « But honestly, the entire night was special, from the training ground to the party afterwards. And then at the Emirates, we had an incredible time. Personally, I had no desire to sleep. Sleep was simply not a necessity. »
Champions League final looms for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s squad is set to hoist the Premier League trophy this Sunday at Crystal Palace. With the title already secured ahead of the final matchday, the Gunners are now setting their sights on an unprecedented double. Their focus shifts to preparations for the Champions League final, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30.
