Arsenal star Declan Rice has said that he did not appreciate the criticism that Noni Madueke received from certain sections of fans following his move from Chelsea earlier this month.
The 23-year-old Madueke completed his move from Chelsea to the Gunners earlier this month for a fee of up to £52 million ($70.4m), triggering an angry reaction among supporters who set up a petition in opposition to his arrival.
The hashtag #NoToMadueke also trended on X after the player had two mixed seasons at Stamford Bridge.
In response to the backlash, Rice took a stand for his England colleague and backed the player to ‘shock’ everyone with his quality going forward.
“I didn’t like it, if I’m speaking honestly. But I know how driven he is. I’ve spoken to him, and you’re going to see what he’s about this season.”
“I think he’s so driven, and he’s really, really proven. He wants to prove and show everyone what he really can do, and I think you’re going to see that. There’s a hunger inside his belly.”
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“I think you see it, when he signed, he had like 10 or 11 people with him, the excitement, it’s a good thing. He’s hungry, he wants to play for Arsenal, and that’s the type of players we want.”
“It’s so positive. I think he’s going to shock a lot of people, and I can’t wait for him to come. That’s what I said in my letter, and I really mean it because I really like him as a person.”
The letter Rice is referring to is something he wrote as part of Madueke’s unveiling, with footage of him opening and reading the note in the back of a car on his first day as an Arsenal player.
“Welcome to the Arsenal family,” Rice wrote. “Noni, my brother. I’m buzzing for you to join the club.”
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