Declan Rice sends a heartfelt message after scoring for Arsenal

Arsenal claimed the win against Burnley with goals by Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice, yet it was Rice’s emotional celebration, pointing upwards after his goal, that touched the supporters deeply.

The English midfielder revealed that he dedicated the goal to his late aunt, who passed away before the Arsenal vs. Fulham match in October. Rice shared after the game: “My aunt died just before the Fulham game. I loved her dearly. She always traveled with my mother to watch me play everywhere. I know she’s watching from above, so this goal today is for her.”

It is known that Rice’s aunt was a devoted Arsenal fan, often traveling hundreds of miles to support her nephew. When Rice headed in the ball from Leandro Trossard’s cross to double Arsenal’s lead after Gyokeres’ opener, he immediately looked up to the sky in a deeply emotional moment.

The 26-year-old midfielder also added that he felt he played the role of a “classic number 9” in this victory. Rice said: “They (Burnley) have lost only once in the last 18 months, so we knew it would be tough. We had to stick to our philosophy. Arsenal’s quality showed clearly, and in fact, we could have scored 4 or 5 goals in the first half.”

He continued: “If you look back at the goal, it started from defending a throw-in in our half. Gabby (Gabriel) headed the ball away, I pushed forward with the ball and finished the move like a true striker.”

Coach Mikel Arteta praised his player’s performance highly. The Spanish manager said Rice “stepped up at the right moment” and demonstrated comprehensive improvement in the central midfield role. Arteta shared: “He won the ball, made interceptions, and controlled the game brilliantly. This is proof of the development of a top-class player.”

Arteta also praised the entire team: “In the first half, we played excellently, scored 2 goals, and didn’t give the opponent any chances. That laid the foundation for today’s win. In the second half, we had to adjust a bit, didn’t keep possession as much, but our defense remained impressive. At Turf Moor, only Liverpool has beaten them in the last 18 months, which says it all.”

This victory helps Arsenal continue their Premier League title race, where Declan Rice not only showed top form but also left a touching image of family love—a goal with a meaning far beyond the scoreline.