29.5 C
Accra
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
SportsRice is in at Arsenal to 'win more trophies'

Date:

Rice is in at Arsenal to ‘win more trophies’


Declan Rice is setting his sights on
achieving both Premier League and Champions League success at Arsenal, and he remains unfazed by his hefty £105 million price tag.

The talented English midfielder made the switch from West Ham to Arsenal earlier this month, setting a new record for the highest payment made for a British player in the Premier League.

Currently in the United States with his new teammates for preseason preparations, Rice is eager to help Arsenal improve on their second-place finish from last season.

Additionally, he is excited to see the Gunners return to top-level European competition for the first time since 2017.

Having experienced the joy of lifting the Europa Conference League trophy in his final game as West Ham’s captain, Rice’s hunger for success is evident as he looks forward to new challenges and opportunities with Arsenal.

“Last year was so close, I feel like we’re better off now this year, learning from that experience. I think that’s definitely a target and of course you’re in the Champions League, you go into the Champions League to win, you don’t go into (it) just to take part.

“There’s always a narrative around Arsenal that they’re not going to win the Premier League or they haven’t been good enough.

“But I didn’t see it in that way at all. I see it in a way that he (Arteta) has improved the squad every year. The players have improved individually. Everyone’s gone up another level and when I spoke to Mikel about the way he wanted me to play, where he sees me playing and the vision he has for Arsenal.

“For me it is really exciting now to be a part of this project that Arsenal can get back to the big time and win some trophies.”

Rice’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium has eclipsed Arsenal’s previous transfer record – the signing of Nicolas Pepe from Lille for £72m – and will see West Ham receive a guaranteed £100m, with a potential £5m in add-ons.

The 24-year-old believes it is unfair he will carry increased expectations because of his price tag but insists he will not be weighed down by it.

“I think it’s time now. You know Arsenal under Mikel have won Community Shields, FA Cups, but I think now, this is a massive club, it’s constant pressure of delivering titles and it’s been such a long time now since Arsenal won the Premier League,” Rice told Sky Sports News.

“I just try to take everything in my stride. I can’t control what I’ve been bought for, that’s obviously been determined on how well I’ve played consistently over the last couple years,” he added.

“West Ham have obviously set that price, I tried to take it all of my stride, I’ve not really thought about the price tag once. I’ve been brought to Arsenal for a reason and that is to perform, to play football. To try and add to the squad, to try and win trophies.

“I’m not going to get involved in price tags. Of course people have always got opinions, you can’t please everybody.

‘Someone’s always got something to say, but what’s important is that the manager, you know you’ve got his support, you’ve got family support, people that are close to you, that’s all that matters.

“I won’t try to think about that too much and to be honest with you, I haven’t. It’s football. A lot of players have been bought for £80, £90, £100million. It’s our profession. It’s just down to us to perform. So over the six years (of his contract), hopefully I can repay that price tag.”

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

Denzel Washington baptized, ordained as minister in New York

Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington, 69, marked a significant milestone...

2024 WASSCE results to be released by Dec 29 – Education Ministry

The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has...

Slapping LilWin on set was not a deliberate act – Emelia Brobbey

Ghanaian Kumawood actress Emelia Brobbey has refuted allegations made...

Settle SHS debts before Jan 3 to prevent disruptions in academic calendar – CHASS to govt

The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS)...

DVLA to begin motor vehicle licensing on Jan 2

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced...

National Film Authority records 38 Ghanaian films in 2024 despite decline

Some stakeholders and critics in the film industry have...

Related stories

Guardiola ready to bid €80M for Kudus – Reports

Manchester City is reportedly preparing to make an €80...

GFA reportedly planning a dissolution of the entire Black Stars backroom staff

Ghanaian football legends John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda are...

Mikel Arteta defends substituting Martin Ødegaard in Arsenal draw

Mikel Arteta has explained his decision to substitute Arsenal...

Mbappe no longer with transgender girlfriend; he said he is single

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has reportedly ended his...

Saudi Arabia confirmed as 2034 World Cup hosts – FIFA confirms

FIFA has announced that Saudi Arabia will host the...

Kwasi Appiah hesitant to confirm interest in Black Stars coaching role

Former Black Stars head coach James Kwasi Appiah Kwasi...