Declan Rice reacts to being dubbed a lighthouse by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal’s most expensive signing of all time Declan Rice has revealed how he felt after manager Mikel Arteta dubbed him a lighthouse.
The West Ham United midfielder joined the Gunners a little more than a week ago in a £105 million deal.
Manchester City were also keen on Rice, but Arsenal broke the bank to land their man as Arteta wanted him at all costs.
The Spaniard has regularly showered encomium on the England international, saying he is willing to put the light in others, improve others and make the team better.
The compliments have left Rice elated, and the words of the Arsenal manager played a huge role in convincing him to choose the North London club ahead of others.
“The other day he said he sees me like a lighthouse,” the 24-year-old told The Athletic.
“As a player it is really special to hear things like that. He is a football coach but he is also a really good psychological coach. He makes you want to play for him, he makes you want to do anything for him. Everything just felt like the right fit to be honest.
“I really feel like they are going in the right trajectory. Even though the average fan might not think that, when you are in football you know. You can see it.”
Rice is willing to go to war for Arteta and is already dreaming of winning the Premier League next term.
Having narrowly missed out on the title to Manchester City last season, Arsenal have bolstered their squad with the signings of Kai Havertz, Rice and Jurrien Timber and will fancy their chances of going one better next season.
The midfielder won the Europa Conference League with the Hammers last term and will be raring to go at his new club.
Rice has what it takes to take Arsenal to the next level, and playing under a manager like Arteta will only make him better.