Arsenal fell short in the final of the Champions League, but their fans are prouder than they are angry.
The Gunners contained Paris Saint-Germain for large parts of the game and stopped them from being the attacking force that they are.
However, Luis Enrique and his men had the last laugh as they equalised through a spot kick and then went on to win the game in a penalty shootout.
All the Arsenal players were understandably disappointed after the game, but you could see a different kind of determination in Declan Rice.
Arsenal supporters loved his attitude after the game, and almost all of them are demanding one thing: that he gets the armband next season.
Now that you’ve all had time to reflect, why did Arsenal lose the Champions League final?
Arsenal fans urge Mikel Arteta to make Declan Rice the new captain
The captaincy debate at Arsenal has been going on for quite some time now.
Martin Odegaard is the current skipper, and he has done a decent job. However, his performances of late haven’t been great, and after the Champions League final, fans want a change.
One said: “Rice should be captain, please.”
Another wrote: “I love and respect Odegaard. However, we need to move on from him next season and make Rice captain. That’s us moving forward.”
“Give Rice the captaincy next season, I don’t care,” said another.
Another Gooner said: “I think Arteta will find a way to make Declan Rice Arsenal captain next season.”
“Declan Rice was immense last night. Proper player with elite mentality. Rice stood his ground vs the best, most physical and technical midfield in Europe. Rice should be Arsenal’s captain from next season,” said another.
Tell us your thoughts on Martin Odegaard being Arsenal captain
Declan Rice deserves to be Arsenal’s club captain, but it may never happen
Arsenal fans are not wrong to demand that Rice be made the captain.
The Englishman has all the characteristics that you would want from your skipper, and he has earned that status with his performances and leadership as well.
However, Rice may never officially be the club captain at Arsenal because he is third in the pecking order at the Emirates right now.
Even if Odegaard is sold, Bukayo Saka will immediately get the armband, and he is not going anywhere.
So, Rice may have to settle for vice-captaincy, but that won’t make him any less valuable to Arsenal and everyone at the club.
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