Declan Rice has lifted the lid on the intense pressure he endured as Arsenal clinched their first Premier League title in 22 years, confessing that nerves nearly got the better of him during Manchester City’s thrilling 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. The England international admitted he struggled to watch the decisive match unfold on television, opting instead to take a solitary stroll around the training grounds to regain his composure.
« I grabbed security guard Pete, and for the first 40 minutes, we walked every pitch we could, just chatting about anything and everything, » Rice recounted. « Then we heard the roar from the television, so we rushed back to see the first goal. I thought, *Here we go again.* I’d already decided to tell everyone to stay in their lane. We came back with five minutes left—the game was done—but I still couldn’t bring myself to watch. »
His teammate Bukayo Saka couldn’t help but tease Rice’s unusual coping mechanism, calling it « ridiculous » that the midfielder had completed a dozen laps around the training facility while the rest of the squad remained glued to their screens. « He must have done twelve full circuits, » Saka laughed. « We were all watching the match, but he couldn’t bring himself to look. It was hilarious. »
An emotional milestone for the Gunners
Arsenal’s 2026 Premier League triumph marked the end of a 22-year title drought, a moment Rice described as « incredibly moving. » The England international, who joined the club in 2023, paid tribute to the club’s homegrown talent, particularly Saka, who has been part of the Arsenal family since childhood. « He’s been here from the age of six or seven, » Rice reflected. « To imagine what he’s feeling—it’s pure Arsenal. He’s a true academy product, and for him, I can only guess what this means. For me, it’s a legendary moment. »
Rice, who has experienced three agonising near-misses in finals during his three years at the club, admitted the victory felt like vindication. « I’ve been here three years, lost three finals by the smallest of margins, » he said. « But winning today with this group? That’s why I came. I *knew* we’d do it. I just had that feeling—about this club, these players, the path we were on. I knew it would happen, and it did, in the most beautiful way. »
A night of wild celebrations
The celebrations didn’t end at London Colney. Saka revealed that several players made an impromptu trip to the Emirates Stadium in the early hours, where they were greeted by jubilant supporters still awake to mark the historic achievement. What was meant to be a quiet moment of reflection turned into an unforgettable reunion with the Gunners’ loyal fanbase.
« It was madness—pure madness, » Saka admitted, his voice still strained from the excitement. « Sorry, my throat’s wrecked from shouting, but the whole night was special, from training to the party and then the Emirates. I didn’t even feel like sleeping. I didn’t *need* to sleep. »
What’s next for Arsenal?
With the Premier League trophy secured in a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, Arsenal’s focus now shifts to a potential historic double. The Gunners will face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest on May 30, looking to add European glory to their domestic success.
