Declan Rice has insisted Arsenal will use their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain as motivation for future success. The midfielder, a driving force for the Gunners all season, spoke of the team's upward trajectory despite the painful penalty shootout loss.
Arsenal lost their fifth European final in a row, falling to PSG on penalties after a 1-1 draw. However, Rice stressed the season should still be remembered fondly, as the club won their first Premier League title in 22 years. 'Ever since I came to this club, we have been on an upwards trajectory,' Rice said. 'We are going to use this moment to add fuel to the upcoming seasons.'
The England international acknowledged the mental toll of a gruelling campaign, with three games a week since October. But he expressed pride in his teammates for overcoming challenges to secure the league title. 'Next season we are going to go even stronger,' he added. 'It is exciting times for this club.'
Questions have been raised about Arsenal's tactics in the final, with some critics suggesting they lacked attacking flair. Rice defended the approach, noting that PSG possess the best attack in the world and that Arsenal nullified them effectively. 'You can't play the game like others have done, following them all around the pitch,' he explained.
The defeat saw Gabriel Magalhaes miss a crucial penalty, while regular takers Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz were already substituted. Despite the disappointment, Rice insisted the result does not define Arsenal, and the club will build on their progress under Mikel Arteta.
