Arsenal are the best fit for Declan Rice – but certain trophies with Man City may be enough to swing the Premier League’s biggest summer transfer saga | Goal.com UK
The 24-year-old is a better fit for Mikel Arteta’s team, but Pep Guardiola is offering guaranteed silverware at the Etihad Stadium
Declan Rice knows a thing or two about difficult decisions. On February 13, 2019, after nearly a full year of deliberation, he declared for England – despite having represented Ireland at international level for the previous three years. Rice had even been capped three times by the senior side – but, crucially, not once in a competitive fixture.
The backlash was bitter and Rice himself admitted that he could understand the fury of the Irish fans. However, despite talk of “pride” in the jersey and “mixed nationality”, he tellingly admitted that he ultimately decided to do what he considered “best for my future”.
And if we remove loyalty and integrity from the equation, given they are archaic concepts in modern football anyway, everyone would agree that Rice chose wisely. He has benefited enormously in the intervening four years, both from a sporting and financial perspective.
Rice played in a World Cup last year – Ireland haven’t even reached the finals since 2002 – while becoming an England international has also undoubtedly made him a more attractive proposition to sponsors.