/>

Midfielder Rice felt ‘nervous’ over record Arsenal transfer

Declan Rice said his big-money transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United left him feeling “very nervous” and the midfielder arrived in North London knowing the club would expect to see him make an immediate impact.

Published : Nov 20, 2023 11:58 IST , Bengaluru - 1 MIN READ

England’s Declan Rice during a press conference.
England’s Declan Rice during a press conference. | Photo Credit: Action Images via Reuters
infoIcon

England’s Declan Rice during a press conference. | Photo Credit: Action Images via Reuters

Declan Rice said his big-money transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United left him feeling “very nervous” and the midfielder arrived in North London knowing the club would expect to see him make an immediate impact.

Arsenal signed the 24-year-old England international in July for 105 million pounds ($130.84 million), a record transfer between two British clubs, surpassing the 100 million pounds Manchester City paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in 2021.

“When the transfer was going through I was very nervous because of the price tag,” Rice told reporters ahead of England’s final European Championship qualifier against North Macedonia.

“You’re a human being bought for 105 million pounds, it doesn’t feel very normal. But that was because of what I’d done at West Ham, what they valued me at.

“It’s 100 million pounds, it’s a lot of money, I could understand the pressure that comes with it.

“Not only the pressure you put on yourself but there’s an expectation of being bought for that much money we need to see performances straight away. They have invested a lot of money in me, I need to prove why I can go there and change things.”

Rice also said he understood why England team mate Grealish, who won the treble with City last season, may have struggled initially after his transfer.

“He was a 100 million pounds footballer but as he wasn’t playing as much, it was probably as bit different for him. Now he’s flying and it’s the same for me,” added Rice.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment