Declan Rice now shares what Mark Noble told him ahead of his move to Arsenal
Declan Rice has been nothing short of excellent since joining Arsenal this summer, following a long transfer saga full of many twists and turns.
Arsenal pulled off a coup when they beat Manchester City to a then-British record transfer for the West Ham captain, and there was a mixed response in East London.
Whilst some believed that Rice’s significant contributions to the club, which saw him captain the side to Europa Conference League victory in his final game, meant he could move with their blessing, others were sceptical about the Englishman’s choice to go to Arsenal ahead of the Champions.
However, West Ham legend Mark Noble was more forgiving of Rice, and the Arsenal star has now shared what he was told when his move was set to be completed.
Noble’s Farewell Message to Rice
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Rice revealed that Noble wished him luck, rather than expressing his disappointment at the move.
“I talked to Nobes, too: it was a hard one for him because he’s Mr West Ham, but he was buzzing for me,” Rice claimed.
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“He was so happy that I could push myself and compete in the Champions League this year. He said, ‘It’s nothing more than you deserve.’”
Rice’s fast start
One big factor in Rice’s move to Arsenal was gaining the opportunity to challenge for the title and to compete in the Champions League.
With Arsenal unbeaten in all competitions, and just one point behind Man City at the top of the league, it’s safe to say that it’s gone well for Rice so far.
Arsenal returned to the Champions League after a near-seven-year absence, and Rice delivered an excellent display as The Gunners beat PSV Eindhoven on his debut in the competition.
Mikel Arteta’s side are set to travel to RC Lens for their second group game before facing Man City at the weekend, and Rice looks set to play a major part in both important matches.
