Declan Rice hailed the influence of Mikel Arteta and Edu in his decision to leave West Ham and join Arsenal this summer.
The England international joined the Gunners in a club-record deal worth £105m, with Arsenal fending off competition from Manchester City to land the midfielder.
Rice is currently in the United States as Arsenal’s preparations for the new season continue and the 24-year-old paid tribute to Arteta and sporting director Edu in convincing him to move across London.
In response to why he chose Arsenal and the impression Arteta and Edu had made, Rice told HaytersTV: “I think it was their desire and vision to get Arsenal back to where they belong.
“To be a part of a team and a squad that wants to challenge again really meant a lot to me in terms of the way I see football and the way I want to be perceived.
“It was the feeling I had, the real good feeling in my gut that it was the right decision, the right choice.
“And so far, I’ve only been here 10 days but I feel like that choice has paid off already. I feel so happy here, I feel so at home. I don’t feel like the new person at all.
“We’re only in pre-season, the season hasn’t even started yet and I’ve got this feel good factor so that’s the reason why I joined Arsenal. There are so many good factors about the club.”
Rice’s move to the Emirates coincides with Arsenal’s first return to the Champions League in seven years.
The former West Ham captain has been very vocal about wanting to play in the biggest games possible and the chance to play in Europe’s elite club competition is a hugely exciting prospect.
“It’s going to be the best. It’s the pinnacle in football,” Rice continued.
“When you’re a kid, you want to become a footballer and not many players get to play in the Champions League.
“So now, this year, getting that chance to put on a shirt, hear that Champions League anthem, it’s going to be so special.
“In football you only get one opportunity to do great things, to join great clubs and that’s what the case is with Arsenal.
“It’s a club that deserves to be in the Champions League, deserves to have the big nights and I can’t wait to experience it.”
