Declan Rice stands by his decision to reject interest from Manchester City when joining Arsenal last year, claiming the Gunners have a “more exciting” project.
Rice was targeted by both City and Arsenal ahead of the 2023-24 season, with Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions reportedly tabling a bid of around £90million to West Ham.
However, Rice ended up joining Arsenal for £105m and has spent his first season at the Emirates Stadium battling City for the title.
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Mikel Arteta’s men currently hold a one-point lead at the summit, but with City having an additional game to play, they know a perfect end to the season will seal a fourth successive crown.
Though Rice’s first campaign in north London may end without silverware, he has no regrets over his decision.
“This project seemed more exciting and that’s why I chose to come to Arsenal, because I believe we’re on to big things here,” The Athletic.
Preparation 🤝 opportunity
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Had Rice made a different decision, he would likely have formed a fearsome partnership with Rodri at the base of Guardiola’s midfield.
Excluding penalty shoot-outs, Rodri has gone 70 games for both club and country without defeat, and the Spain international has been touted as a contender for the Premier League’s Player of the Season award – as has Rice.
Rice believes the two have very different styles but is in no doubt about Rodri’s status as the world’s top midfielder, saying: “We’re different players, I feel.
“With Rodri, he was born in Spain, he’s always been a natural number six. You can just tell by the way he plays that he’s worked under Pep for so long. He’s a lot more structured than I am.
A slick passing move leading to @ErlingHaaland‘s goal at Forest! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/y489mB3aYv
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 29, 2024
“I’d say I’m a lot more off-the-cuff. Obviously, this season I’ve been more structured, but in terms of the way I play, I feel like… being free a little bit more.
“There are different things that we complement each other on — but no doubt, he’s the best in the world.”
Arsenal are in action first as the title race resumes on Saturday, welcoming Bournemouth to the Emirates for the early kick-off, with City hosting Wolves later that day.
