Declan Rice starred for England in their win over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.
England recently beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in a Nations League clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice opened the scoring for the Three Lions, before Manchester City winger Jack Grealish added a second in the first half to seal the result.
Rice’s goal marked his fourth for England, coming in his 59th cap. Prior to ever playing for England at senior level, though, the 25-year-old featured three times for Ireland, who he is eligible to represent due to his grandparents.
Out of respect for his Irish heritage, Rice opted not to celebrate his goal in Dublin. He explained: “I was never going to celebrate.
“My nan and grandad are not here anymore and I think it would have been disrespectful to them, my dad’s also here.”
Arsenal fans praise Declan Rice for gesture in England vs Ireland
Taking to X after Rice refused to celebrate his goal against Ireland, plenty of Arsenal fans hailed the midfielder for the gesture.
One supporter said: “Always professional that’s our Dec !”
Another stated: “Declan Rice, brilliant footballer, better person. A credit to Arsenal football club.”
One added: “You can’t cut the hand that feeds you. Even if you becomes successful you have to appreciate it.”
Another claimed: “Proper professional well done.”
One fan said: “Never forget you roots Rice Rice baby.”
Rice bounces back from Arsenal frustration
Scoring for his country will have given Rice a welcome boost after his difficult game for Arsenal last time out. He was controversially sent off against Brighton in a Premier League clash.
Due to his subsequent suspension, Mikel Arteta will now be without Rice when the Gunners take on their fierce local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their North London derby clash.
The player will feel hard done by to have seen red against the Seagulls. Gary Lineker felt that Rice was harshly punished by referee Chris Kavanagh.
In any case, Arteta will need a new midfield solution when his side take on Spurs.
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