Arsenal confirmed, on Saturday (15), the signing of English midfielder Declan Rice, who defended West Ham last season. The deal for the 24-year-old was possible after an offer of £105m (about R$660m at current prices), according to the British press. In this way, Rice becomes the most expensive English player in history.
Rice, who also defends for the England national team, joins Arsenal as the club’s main signing for the European season. In an interview with the new club’s official channels, the player highlighted how worried he was about being able to try new opportunities in English football.
“Obviously he’s very anxious on this first day. We look forward to playing with you, sharing the good times, and seeing what you’ve been doing in recent years. I can’t wait to get started and, who knows, win some trophies,” Rice said in a message to his teammates now at the club. .
The new reinforcements will be important to strengthen Arsenal, which last season finished second in the English Premier League and lost the title to Manchester City. The English will have the opportunity to play in the next edition of the Champions League and coach Mikel Arteta has spoken of the importance of reinforcements.
– We’re so glad you came. He is a player of immense skill, having been performing at the highest level in the Premier League and the England national team for several seasons. Declan brings an undisputed quality to the club, an exceptional talent with potential for success here.”
Rice was scouted by West Ham and has always played professionally for the club. Last season there were 50 matches, in which he scored five goals and made three assists. The player was in the Qatar World Cup and in the last edition of Euro with the England national team.
