Declan Rice Defends Noni Madueke’s Transfer to Arsenal
Declan Rice has come to the defense of his new Arsenal teammate, Noni Madueke, who recently transferred from Chelsea in a deal that could rise to £52 million ($70.4 million). This significant move has faced criticism from some Arsenal fans, leading to a backlash on social media, including petitions against his signing and graffiti defacing murals near the Emirates Stadium that called for coach Mikel Arteta’s exit.
Despite this discontent expressed through the hashtag #NoToMadueke, which reflects concerns over the 23-year-old’s inconsistent performance during his two seasons at Chelsea, Rice remains optimistic. He believes that Madueke’s determination will defy critics this season.
“Honestly, I didn’t like the backlash,” Rice stated, emphasizing his faith in Madueke’s talent and ambition. “But I know how driven he is. I’ve talked to him, and I think everyone will see what he can bring this season.”
Madueke’s Passion and Potential
The England midfielder described Madueke’s eagerness to join the Gunners as a positive. He recalled how on the day of his signing, Madueke brought several friends along to share in the excitement, which Rice interpreted as a sign of his passion for the game.
“He’s hungry to play for Arsenal, and that’s the kind of player we need. I think he’s going to surprise a lot of people. I genuinely mean it because I like him a lot as a person,” Rice expressed.
In a letter intended to welcome Madueke, which was publicly shared during the player’s introduction at Arsenal, Rice wrote,
“Welcome to the Arsenal family. Noni, my brother. I’m buzzing for you to join the club.”
When asked if he felt a need to support Madueke during this tumultuous time, Rice clarified that he believes Madueke possesses a strong character, making him resilient enough to handle the pressure.
Impressions and Performance Metrics
Rice has grown closer to Madueke while representing England, where he was impressed by Madueke’s personality and work ethic.
“He’s someone who lifts the dressing room and has high standards for himself,” Rice noted.
Madueke’s statistics from his time in the Premier League show a mixed bag, with 13 goals and five assists in 67 matches. However, Arsenal’s management sees underlying potential in his performance metrics, particularly his standout ability to carry the ball into dangerous spaces. Last season, he led the league in carries that resulted in attempts on goal.
“When you have a mentality of trying to get past defenders first—this is a brilliant trait for an attacking player to possess,” stated Rice, who is enthusiastic about the depth Madueke will add to the squad.
Given the previous season’s struggles with injuries that limited available players, Rice believes having more options for rotation in various competitions will be crucial for Arsenal’s ambitions moving forward.
“We’re going to be able to rotate players better now, and that’s essential for us,” he concluded.
