Declan Rice played for Arsenal for the first time at Emirates Stadium yesterday, impressing in their victory over AS Monaco in the Emirates Cup.
The England international midfielder spent 62 minutes on the pitch before getting withdrawn, and he put in an impressive performance.
Rice was introduced to the Arsenal fans when the team sheet was being read out, and he received a boisterous welcome when it was his turn.
The 24-year-old was delighted with the reception he got from the home supporters and has taken to his social media account to express himself.
“Blown away by the reception I received before the game,” Rice posted.
“Loved my first minutes at the Emirates. We keep building and pushing. Thank you, Gunners.”
The Arsenal record-signing made his unofficial debut for the club during the pre-season tour of the United States last month.
He was looking forward to playing in front of the home fans for the first time and was not disappointed with what he saw.
Rice will now be looking forward to the Community Shield game against Manchester City on Sunday at Wembley Stadium.
The Premier League champions were interested in signing the former West Ham United captain, and he will be keen to prove to Pep Guardiola that he made the right choice in that match and going forward.
The Gunners begin their league campaign with a game against Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, and Rice will receive an even greater welcome that day.
He has been impressed with the tactical knowledge of manager Mikel Arteta since he linked up with the squad last month.
The Englishman can become the best player in his position in the Premier League and on the planet given his huge potential, and all eyes will be on him this season.
Having been widely criticised for hardly attacking, Rice will look to add more goals and assists to his game, and the system at Arsenal would allow him to do so.
