Declan Rice thinks a transfer to Arsenal seemed more intriguing’ than Manchester City as the two teams compete for the Premier League title.
Arsenal and Manchester City were both anxious to capture Rice from West Ham last summer, but it was the Gunners who signed him for £100 million.
Pep Guardiola wanted to welcome the then-Hammers captain to his team at the Etihad Stadium, but Rice preferred a transfer to north London to join Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
Rice’s current club and previous suitor have been embroiled in a fierce title race this season, with only one point separating the two with a few games left.
Unless Manchester City slips up, Arsenal and Rice will lose out on the Premier League title, but the England midfielder looks to have no regrets about his move.
When it was pointed out to him that he might have been playing alongside Rodri rather than facing Man City for the championship, Rice told The Athletic: ‘I understand.
‘But this project felt more interesting, which is why I opted to come to Arsenal; I feel we’re on to something great here.’
Rice, who is expected to be a vital component of England’s team at Euro 2024, also stated that he likes his midfield skirmishes with Rodri, whom he regards as the ‘best in the world’ in that role.
‘It’s good; I enjoy it. Rice was added. ‘We’re different players, I believe. Rodri was born in Spain and has always been a natural No. 6.
‘You can see by the way he plays that he’s worked with Pep (Guardiola) for a long time. He’s far more regimented than I am.
‘I consider myself to be much more spontaneous. Clearly, this season I’ve been more regimented. However, I prefer playing more freely.
“We complement each other in a variety of ways, but he is without a doubt the best in the world.” Arsenal has not won the Premier League since 2004, but Arteta has led the club to back-to-back title campaigns.
Last season, Arsenal ended five points behind Manchester City and will finish two points behind Guardiola’s side if both clubs win their remaining games.
Arteta’s club resumes their championship fight on Saturday with a home fixture against Bournemouth, followed by a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United and a final-day home game against Everton.
City, however, will play Wolves this weekend before facing Fulham, Tottenham, and West Ham. Guardiola will also lead his club in another FA Cup final, with Man City taking on local rivals United at Wembley Stadium on May 25.
