Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice explains why he rejected Man City in favour of the Gunners during the last summer transfer. The former West Ham United player was one of the players that dominated the headlines during the transfer window.
His exceptional performances for West Ham and the England national team elevated him to one of the best players in his position, garnering interest from several top teams, such as Manchester City, who sought to sign him to form a formidable partnership with Rodri in the heart of their midfield.
Manchester City submitted a £90 million offer for his signature but was rejected by West Ham that wanted nothing less than £100 million for their star player. Amid the transfer negotiation, the Englishman agreed personal terms with Arsenal whose £105 million offered was accepted by West Ham.
Rice moved to Emirates Stadium and has emerged as a pivotal player for the Gunners. Due to his significant contributions, the team has made considerable progress and are now in the running to secure their first league title in two decades.
The midfielder claimed that he sees Arsenal achieving big things in the future; hence, he made a decision to join the team even though, he was presented with an opportunity to work with Rodri. “I know,” he told The Athletic.
“But 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.”
Rodri Is The Best In The World – Declan Rice Praises Manchester City Midfielder
Despite rejecting the offer to work with Rodri at Manchester City, Rice was full of praise for the midfielder, describing him as the best in the world in his position.
Recently, there has been comparisons between the two players. Many pundits have compared the similarities and differences in Rodri and Rice playing style and how they have been contributing to the progress of their respective clubs.
The former West Ham player admitted that Rodri being coached by Pep Guardiola is more structured than him, claiming that he has also improved a lot this season, but Rodri is the best in the world at the moment.
“You can just tell by the way he plays that he’s worked under Pep (Guardiola) for so long. He’s a lot more structured than I am. 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.”