Mikel Arteta names Arsenal star who made him ‘mad’ last season

Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Arsenal star Declan Rice
Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Arsenal star Declan Rice
Mikel Arteta has hailed Declan Rice and admits he was ‘mad to sign’ the England international after he impressed against Arsenal last season.

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The Gunners splashed out £105m to sign Rice from West Ham in the summer and he will face his former club when the two sides meet in the top-flight on Thursday.

Ahead of that match, Hammers boss David Moyes lauded his ex-captain Rice and his current boss Arteta had similar praise for the 24-year-old.

‘When they put the price-tag you have to carry that and it is not easy,’ Arteta said. ‘He has done it in a brilliant way.

‘He is a really humble guy and the way that he wants to learn and take positive criticism is really powerful.

‘He has other levels to go. I love his presence on the pitch. He’s there and he’s got something special.

‘I felt it when I played against him, that’s why I was mad to sign him. You get a feeling about players and I wanted him to be part of our team.

Brentford FC v Arsenal FC – Premier League
Declan Rice has been in impressive form since his summer switch to Arsenal (Picture: Getty)
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‘He is playing more as a deeper role in the last few weeks but playing as a number eight he can be an incredible player, he can be a centre back if he needs to step in if we need to.

‘He has shown that he has an eye for goals when he is in the opponent’s box he is a real threat. That is something that can be developed.

‘His leadership skills, the way that he will naturally grow in the team and club in the years to come, there is much more from him.’