‘She made the right decision’ - Declan Rice & Alessia Russo reflect on Arsenal transfer decisions after leaving West Ham & Man Utd behind
Declan Rice and Alessia Russo have spoken about their decisions to leave West Ham and Manchester United for Arsenal, with both players saying they made the right choice.
Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham in a club-record deal worth £45 million in the summer of 2022, while Russo made the switch from Manchester United to Arsenal in January 2023.
Rice: ‘I felt it was the right time to move on’
Rice said he felt it was the right time to leave West Ham after eight years at the club.
“I had a great time at West Ham and I’m grateful for everything the club has done for me,” Rice said.
“But I felt it was the right time to move on and challenge myself at a new club.”
Russo: ‘Arsenal is a club that’s going places’
Russo said she was excited to join Arsenal because she believes the club is moving in the right direction.
“Arsenal is a club that’s going places,” Russo said.
“They have a great manager in Jonas Eidevall and a talented squad, so I’m really excited to be a part of it.”
Both players have made an immediate impact at Arsenal
Both Rice and Russo have made an immediate impact at Arsenal, with Rice scoring two goals in his first three Premier League games for the club.
Russo has also scored two goals in her first three Women’s Super League games for Arsenal, including the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
‘She made the right decision’
Rice and Russo’s performances have been praised by Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, who said both players have shown they have the quality to play for a top club.
“Declan is a top-class player and he has shown that since he joined us,” Eidevall said.
“He is a leader on and off the pitch, and he has helped us to become a better team.”
“Alessia is a very talented player and she has a bright future ahead of her,” Eidevall said.
“She is still young, but she has already shown that she can score goals at the highest level.”
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