Declan Rice: ‘Rollercoaster’ Season Ends In Final Loss But Arsenal Will Return Stronger

Declan Rice vows Arsenal will come back stronger

Declan Rice, who captained West Ham to Conference League glory in 2023, says Arsenal will learn from their Champions League final loss to PSG and target trophies next term.

After a “rollercoaster” season that ended with a penalty shootout defeat to PSG, Declan Rice backed Arsenal to bounce back and chase silverware next season...

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said his team will return stronger next season after the gut-wrenching penalty shootout loss to PSG in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday night.

Just six days after the high of winning the Premier League at Selhurst Park, Arsenal and their fans were hit hard in Hungary. Gabriel missed his spot-kick, firing it over the bar, which handed PSG their second Champions League title in a row.

Rice played the full 120 minutes in the tense final and looked reflective on the podium while speaking to the press. He made it clear this loss would shape Arsenal after a season that began 11 months ago and finished in a European final.

Talking to the media after the match, he said: “It’s been a rollercoaster, since it started in July in Singapore.”

“Tonight was our 63rd game of the season, and it’s been an incredible journey. Winning the Premier League after 22 years was a dream and getting to this final was a dream come true.

“It wasn’t meant to be. To lose a Champions League final on penalties, with the small margins, really hurts, but that doesn’t define this group.

“We’re obviously gutted; we’re devastated to lose this final, but congratulations to PSG. Over the last couple of years, they have been the best team in Europe.

“PSG have the best attack in the world, and you can’t play the game like others have done, following them around the pitch, because that is what they want. We really nullified them to not many chances tonight, and we really had some chances ourselves.”

Since joining from West Ham in 2024, Rice has been a constant in Arsenal’s lineup and already knows what it takes to win in Europe. He captained West Ham to Conference League glory in Prague back in 2023.

He didn’t get another winner’s medal on Saturday night, but he’s convinced Arsenal’s silverware is coming soon.

He added: “Ever since I got to this club, we have been going on an upward trajectory. This year, we were in all competitions until March, which is really tough and mentally draining. Since October, it’s been three games a week and that’s why I am so proud of these boys just for how far we’ve come this year.”

He continued: “We’re going to use this moment (the loss in the final) to fuel us for the upcoming seasons - speaking to the players and the manager, there is no reason why we are stopping here. Next year, we are going to go even stronger and we’re going to be ready again. It’s exciting times for this football club.”

Rice also praised his manager Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard shifted tactics this season and showed it again in Budapest, as Arsenal gave up possession for defensive solidity. They had the ball less than 25% of the game.

 

Declan Rice is proud of Arsenal's efforts this season and believes the club will be back after their CL heartbreak against PSG 🗣️🔴 pic.twitter.com/S3AVV2cdo1

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) May 30, 2026

Talking about Arteta, the 25-year-old said: “He told us (after the game) he loves us all, to keep our heads up and be proud of what we have achieved this season.”

“He is someone that has us 100% every single day, he’s someone we look to for guidance, strength and in tough moments this year, he has been there for all of us, and that’s why we were so happy to deliver the Premier League because he deserves it.”

Before club football resumes after the break, Rice has a World Cup with England. The Three Lions are chasing their first major trophy in 60 years, and he’ll be crucial for Thomas Tuchel’s team again. He’s set to start against Croatia on June 17th.