DECLAN RICE inspired Arsenal to a stunning Champions League quarter-final win over Real Madrid both on and off the pitch.
The 26-year-old was man of the match in both legs of the last-eight clash.
His outstanding free kick double helped the Gunners to a 3-0 win at the Emirates last week.
And a midfield masterclass at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday saw them secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Real Madrid stars were confident about completing a ‘remontada’ in the build-up to the second-leg.
As a result, Mikel Arteta and Co found themselves under an increased amount of pressure heading into the match.
However, Rice showed his leadership qualities before kick-off by sending a strong message to his team-mates.
Prior to Arsenal‘s warm-up, the midfielder said: “Nothing to fear, let’s go!”
Gunners’ captain Martin Odegaard also said: “This is on us, guys! It’s f***ing today! Ignore the whistles now.”
Footage of the pre-match message was shared on social media hours after full-time.
Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus
in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates
Fans were quick to comment, with one person writing: “Rice is the real leader.”
Another said: “LEADER RICE LEADER LOVE THESE DETAILS.”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Myles Lewis-Skelly winds up Real Madrid fans as Arsenal knock Los Blancos out of Champions League ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6371602732112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]A third wrote: “Declan Rice is the true king.”
While a fourth commented: “Rice was made for the big stage.”
Arsenal will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals.
The first leg will take place on April 29 at the Emirates Stadium.
