In an interview published by Yahoo Sports, Declan Rice said he is hopeful of signing a new Arsenal contract soon while speaking ahead of England’s match against Spain.
The midfielder discussed his long-term future and recent career stability while away on international duty for the UEFA Nations League fixture. He pointed to his consistent performances across recent seasons as a foundation for fresh terms at Emirates Stadium.
“I’ve been extremely lucky that I’ve managed to play at such a consistent level throughout my career,” Rice told Yahoo Sports.
“I’m a player that always sets myself targets, always pushes for more. I’ve always been stable in the clubs I’m at. New contract hopefully on the horizon soon.”
Rice credited Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and his teammates for creating an environment that allows him to focus entirely on his on-field responsibilities.
“I’m extremely lucky I’m at a club like Arsenal where the manager shows me so much trust. I’ve so many teammates who put so much energy and effort into me,” Rice said.
“I’m extremely lucky that I don’t have to worry about that stuff. It makes playing football a lot easier.”
Reflecting on his time in north London, Rice highlighted how Arteta has removed fear from the squad’s approach in Europe.
“What the manager has instilled in us at Arsenal is to not have any fear,” he said.
“The progression in the Champions League over the last three years, quarter-final, semi-final, final, coming to this stadium last year, we’ve been to the Bernabeu, Bayern Munich. The Arsenal of old may have struggled in those stadiums.”
He added that the squad operates with a clear collective identity on the pitch. “You’re going to get a strong team, togetherness, we’re going to run for each other, we’re going to play forward.”
Shifting focus to the national team, Rice compared the club atmosphere to England’s current camp under Thomas Tuchel.
“Thomas is only short into his reign here at England,” Rice said. “You need time to build these things. Squads are constantly changing.”
“The biggest thing for me is constantly, every time we’re in camp, build that togetherness when we’re in training, build relationships and then take that into this kind of game.”
Worth a look
