Declan Rice Hungry for More at Arsenal Despite Defeat to PSG in Champions League Final

Following the euphoria of securing the Premier League title six days ago at Selhurst Park, Arsenal’s players and supporters were dealt a devastating blow in the Hungarian capital after centre-back Gabriel blazed his penalty over the bar, allowing PSG to claim their second consecutive Champions League crown.

Rice, who played the full 120 minutes in a tightly contested match, appeared philosophical on the podium as he addressed the media, making it clear that this defeat would define the North London outfit, after a campaign that began 11 months ago and concluded in a European final.

Speaking to various media outlets after the game, he said: “It has been a rollercoaster, ever since it started in July in Singapore.

“Tonight was our 63rd match of the season, and it has been an incredible journey. Winning the Premier League after 22 years was a dream, and reaching this final was a dream come true.

“It was not meant to be. Losing a Champions League final on penalties, with such fine margins, really hurts, but that does not define this group.

“We are obviously gutted; we are devastated to lose this final, but congratulations to PSG. Over the past couple of years, they have been the best team in Europe.

“PSG have the best attack in the world, and you cannot play the game like others have done, chasing them around the pitch, because that is exactly what they want. We really limited them to very few chances tonight, and we also had some good opportunities ourselves.”

Rice, who has been a constant presence for the Gunners since his move in 2024 from West Ham, has tasted European success before, leading the Hammers to Conference League glory in Prague in 2023.

Saturday night did not see him add another winner’s medal to his already strong CV, but he believed more success is just around the corner for Arsenal.

He added: “Ever since I joined this club, we have been on an upward trajectory. This year, we competed in all competitions until March, which is really tough and mentally exhausting. Since October, it has been three games a week, and that is why I am so proud of these boys for how far we have come this year.”

He continued: “We are going to use this moment (the loss in the final) to fuel us for the coming seasons. Speaking to the players and the manager, there is no reason why we would stop here. Next year, we will go even stronger and we will be ready again. These are exciting times for this football club.”

Rice also spoke highly of his manager, Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has taken a different tactical approach this season, and that was evident again in Budapest. Arsenal sacrificed possession for defensive solidity, having the ball for less than a quarter of the match.

Speaking about Arteta, the 25-year-old said: “He told us (after the game) that he loves us all, to keep our heads up, and to be proud of what we have achieved this season.

“He is someone who gives us 100 per cent every single day, someone we look to for guidance, strength, and in tough moments this year, he has been there for all of us. That is why we were so happy to deliver the Premier League title, because he deserves it.”

Before returning to club football after the summer, Rice has the small matter of a World Cup with England as they look to end 60 years without a major trophy. He will again be a key player for Thomas Tuchel’s side, starting against Croatia on June 17th.