Emmanuel Petit now ‘very, very impressed’ by one Arsenal star who left him ‘worried’ this summer

Add as preferred source on Google

Iconic former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has now admitted that he was concerned about one of the club’s current stars this summer. 

Emmanuel Petit enjoyed a successful spell at Arsenal during his playing days.

The Frenchman represented the North London club between 1997 and 2000, racking up 118 appearances across three seasons. He formed a devastatingly effective partnership with his countryman Patrick Vieira in the middle of the park, and the duo played a key role in Arsenal’s Premier League and FA Cup double triumph in 1998.

The 53-year-old Arsenal legend still keeps an eye on goings-on at the Emirates Stadium, and is supportive of Mikel Arteta’s side. Petit has praised Arteta in the past and believes that the club are heading in the right direction under the guidance of the Spanish coach. 

However, Petit has harboured some concerns about Declan Rice in recent weeks. The midfielder is currently in Germany, representing England at Euro 2024. The 25-year-old did not have the best start to the tournament. Rice became a target of the English media due to his displays in the competition’s group stage games.

Petit shared his thoughts on Rice’s efforts for England around this time, noting the former West Ham United man’s drop in form. He has continued to keep a close eye on the Arsenal man. 

• READ MORE: Every Arsenal player at Euro 2024 as 11 stars represent their nations

Arsenal icon Emmanuel Petit delighted by Declan Rice turnaround 

Rice has certainly grown into Euro 2024, and has been far more impressive in the Three Lions’ recent triumphs over Slovakia and Switzerland. He will once again play a key role for his country when they take on the Netherlands in a semi-final clash on Wednesday.

Petit has been relieved to see the player up his game on the international stage. Like fellow Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, Rice has now been able to make his mark on the tournament. 

Speaking on talkSPORT (09/07/2024, 09:25), the 63-cap former France international said of the Arsenal duo: “They have been playing like this for the last two or three years. Not surprised at all. I love both guys, you know, as a person and as players as well. I am not surprised. 

“I was a little bit worried about Declan Rice since the start of the competition. I was feeling he was kind of lost on the pitch, was losing his organisation, you know, tactically always the midfield players, but step by step he regained confidence and I think the team was working much better since the start of the competition.

“I think the confidence you can see that. A lot of players have regained confidence that was missing since the start of the competition.

“So far I am very impressed with Declan Rice, very very impressed with the last game of Saka as well, but I am not surprised at all. I know what they can do on the pitch. As simple as that.”