Arsenal are far from being a much-loved team outside their own fan base.
Most supporters of rival clubs dislike the Gunners and don’t want to see them do well this season or in the future.
Despite that, Arsenal have a player in Bukayo Saka who, according to Arteta, is loved by everybody, even the rival fans.
Now, their manager thinks they have another player like that – Declan Rice.
Has there ever been a better £100m+ signing than Declan Rice in football history?
Mikel Arteta thinks even rival fans love Arsenal star Declan Rice
Rice has been one of the most popular players in the Premier League for a long time now.
The England international was a star at West Ham United, but his stock has risen to a whole new level since he became a Gunner.
Apart from being a world-class player, Rice also comes across as an incredible person, and he is loved by everyone in the squad.
Arsenal manager Arteta feels he is adored outside the club as well, which is very rare.
Speaking in his press conference, Arteta said, as relayed on HaytersTV: “It’s one thing to respect the player, and something else is to admire the person and the player.
“I think Declan has both of them, and that’s very difficult, especially in this society, to achieve because there is a lot of opinion and a lot of rivalry between other clubs.
“It’s like Bukayo. In general, to have that feeling towards a player, even when you are not a supporter, to be able to get people to feel that way about you, I think it’s a big thing.”
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have a chance to create history
Rice and Saka are both incredible players and even better people.
The two English stars have been fantastic for the Gunners over the years, and they have had a fine start to this season as well, especially Rice.
That has helped Arsenal become the favourites to win the Premier League and the Champions League, which would be a historic achievement if they go all the way.
Furthermore, Saka and Rice are near-guaranteed starters for the England national team as well at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The Three Lions are not the outright favourites to win that competition, but if Saka and Rice play at their best level, they could create history.
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