Declan Rice, Arsenal’s new record signing has declared that he’s looking forward to reuniting with former teammate Eddie Nketiah at Arsenal after a past bust-up between the duo.
The former West Ham United midfielder is officially a new face at the Emirates Stadium and the English footballer talked about his relationship with Eddie Nketiah, a player he has known since they were kids.
The England International midfielder eventually completed his 105 million pounds club-record move from East to North London on Saturday, 15th of July, 2023.
Gunners supporters had to wait for a short period to see Declan Rice in an Arsenal shirt, a deal that was agreed between the two London clubs over a couple of weeks ago, but the Premier League runner-up side took time to announce his arrival.
The 24-year-old is now an Arsenal player and the fans will be looking forward to seeing the current UEFA Conference League winner in action.
However, the midfielder, on the other hand, said he’s looking forward to meeting his old teammate Nketiah.
Long before both players joined Arsenal, Declan Rice, and Eddie Nketiah were in Chelsea’s academy.
The pair was a part of the Chelsea academy product until they were 14 years of age, but on one unpleasant day for the duo, they were released and told to find a new pasture on the same day.
Eddie Nketiah headed straight to Arsenal while Declan Rice joined West Ham United. The duo worked their way up to the academy and are first-team payers currently.
Rice was asked about Nketiah and the midfielder was quick to declare his love for the Arsenal forward despite the slight confrontation between the two on the pitch in a match between the Gunners and the Hammers last season.
What happened between Declan Rice and Eddie Nketiah?
A memorable confrontation between Rice and Nketiah took place during Arsenal’s 2-1 Premier League victory over West Ham at the London Stadium in May 2022.
The two players squared off after a violent brawl involving both groups of players that was started by the latter’s attempt to waste time late on by blocking an Aaron Cresswell’s free-kick.
What Declan Rice said about Eddie Nketiah
Speaking about Nketiah, He said: “I played with Eddie from under-nines to under 14s. We were both released on the same day and it’s crazy where football takes you, your journey”.
“He’s made it through the ranks at Arsenal, I made it through the ranks at West Ham. Now we get to link back up again”.
“I’ve always loved Eddie, even though we had that little altercation on the pitch before, I’ve always loved him and been close to his family”.
He added: “His dad is a top, top guy who used to come on all the tours with us as kids, so I’m really looking forward to seeing him (Eddie) again and of course the other boys”.
Declan Rice ought to have no trouble blending in at Arsenal. Having shared the England locker room with players like Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale, and Ben White throughout the years, he has many close friends at the club.
However, Nketiah is his closest friend, and despite their recent disagreement on the field, they should get along just fine now.
Declan Rice’s stats with West Ham United last season
In the 2022-2023 season, the 24-year-old England International represented the Hammers in 37 games in the English Premier League, scoring four goals, registering two assists, and getting booked five times.
What’s next for Declan Rice?
The former West Ham United player should make his debut for Arsenal when the Gunners travel to the United States on Monday, 17th of July, to face MLS All-Star in the pre-season.
