Declan Rice explains why he turned down the chance to meet Rodri at Man City

Declan Rice has revealed why he chose to join Arsenal, rather than take the chance to meet Rodri at Manchester City.

Prior to his move to Arsenal, Rice spent many years with big money around the corner from fellow Londoners West Ham. He made it through their youth system, before being given the chance he deserved in the first team.

So, when Rice looked like he was going to leave his boyhood club, many big clubs made their interest known. Rice eventually moved to Arsenal to join Mikel Arteta’s side and then joined the Gunners’ title chase.

City were another club to express their interest in Rice, but a £90m bid was rejected by West Ham before his move to the Emirates.

In interview no AthleticThe Arsenal midfielder has been asked to explain his reasons for leaving Arsenal.

He said: “This project seemed very exciting and that’s why I chose to come to Arsenal, because I believe we are on to big things here.

Rice also spoke of missing the chance to play alongside Rodri in midfield, but hailed the Spaniard as “the best in the world”.

He continued: “We are different players, I feel. Since Rodri, born in Spain, has always been a natural No. 6. You can see from the way he plays that he worked under Pep. [Guardiola] so long.

“He is more organized than me. I can say that I get out of the side a lot. It is obvious that this season I am more organized. But the way I play, I feel like I am relaxing a little bit.

“There are different things we complement each other in – but without a doubt, he is the best in the world.”

Rice’s move to Arsenal proved fruitful in his first season at the Emirates, making 48 appearances in all competitions and scoring six goals.

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