“Lionel Messi. The Best Ever,” posted Declan Rice on 2022 on, formerly Twitter. Nevertheless, it does not end there. The 23 years-old midfielder was interviewed by the English legend Gary Neville and he expanded his take: “Messi. Obviously, it’s such a hard question because what he and Ronaldo have done is like a freak of nature, no one will ever do that ever again…But, Messi what he does with the soccer, it’s so special I love it, I don’t think we’ll ever see a player like him ever again.“

Declan Rice has never hidden his admiration for Lionel Messi. He has praised the Argentine legend on several occasions. After Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Rice even said there would never be another soccer player like Messi in history. His style of play also reflects that admiration. It has always fit well with the attacking philosophy that defined Messi’s FC Barcelona. This connection shows how much influence the Argentine star has had on Rice’s career.

Declan Rice is a key part of Arsenal’s long-term sporting project

Declan Rice arrived at Arsenal as England’s top defensive midfielder. In 2021, Mikel Arteta made a bold decision. He saw Rice as the cornerstone of his long-term project. As a result, Arsenal paid an impressive $131 million to sign him from West Ham.

Since his arrival, the team has taken a clear step forward. Arsenal began to challenge seriously for the Premier League title. At the same time, they secured regular spots in the Champions League. That level of consistency had not been seen since Arsene Wenger’s departure.

Declan Rice plays as a defensive midfielder, yet his impact on offense has been remarkable. He has scored seven goals and provided eight assists for Arsenal in all competitions this season. His attacking qualities have always stood out, and his long-distance shooting is one of his strongest attributes. In fact, he scored a brace from free kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal. That performance perfectly showcased how dangerous he can be going forward.

Declan is already carving out his place in soccer history. He continues to deliver performances that grab global attention. After scoring the stunning two free-kicks goals against Real Madrid, Rice joined an elite list of players who have achieved this feat in the UEFA Champions League.

However, Declan did something no one else has done before. He became the only player to score two free-kick goals in the knockout stage of Europe’s top club competition. This rare accomplishment highlights not only his talent but also his ability to shine under pressure.

Declan scored two free kicks just 12 minutes apart during the second half of the match at Emirates Stadium in London. This gave the Gunners a commanding lead and set up a crucial victory, which was later sealed by Mikel Merino with the third goal.

In doing so, Rice became the fifth player in history to score two direct free kicks in a single Champions League match. This represents such a rare achievement that even Lionel Messi, the third-highest free-kick scorer of all time, was never able to accomplish it.

Who else has scored two free-kick goals in a UCL match before Rice?

Before Tuesday, April 8, 2025, only four players had managed to score two direct free kicks in a single UEFA Champions League match. The first was Brazilian legend Rivaldo, who did it in 2000 for Barcelona against AC Milan.

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo joined that exclusive list. The Portuguese forward was in his first season with Real Madrid when he scored two free kicks against Zurich of Switzerland in a 5-2 away win during the group stage.

Neymar achieved the same feat in 2018 for Paris Saint-Germain against Red Star Belgrade, while the most recent example came in 2023 when Hakim Ziyech, playing for Galatasaray of Turkey, scored twice from free kicks in a match against Manchester United.

What’s next for Real Madrid after the defeat to Arsenal?

The three-goal deficit after the first leg leaves Real Madrid in a highly difficult position. They will need to secure the same goal difference in the second leg next Wednesday to force a penalty shootout, or win by four or more goals to advance directly to the semifinals.

In between, they will also have to visit Alaves in La Liga on Sunday. While the Champions League is the priority at the moment, the Merengues cannot afford to neglect the Spanish league, as they are currently in second place, 4 points behind Barcelona. A slip-up could leave them out of the title race and make this season even more disappointing.

The England international produced a rare feat, scoring twice from direct free kicks — a moment of brilliance that left even seasoned fans asking: Has anyone else ever done this before in the Champions League? The answer is yes — but it’s a short and prestigious list. And Rice just made history by becoming the first player to ever score two free-kick goals in a single knockout stage match in the Champions League era.

Rice’s first strike came in the 58th minute, after Bukayo Saka drew a foul on David Alaba just outside the box. Rice stepped up and curled in a sublime shot that left Thibaut Courtois rooted to the spot, giving Arsenal a 1–0 lead.

The second came under even more dramatic circumstances. After Courtois made a series of saves to deny Arsenal, Eduardo Camavinga fouled Mikel Merino near the edge of the area. Rice, this time with power over precision, rifled a thunderous strike into the top corner to double the lead. It was a goal hit with so much venom it seemed to shake the net — and the stadium. Arsenal would go on to add a third goal to cap off a historic night in North London.

Who else has done it?

With his two free-kick goals, Rice joins a small, elite group of players to have achieved the same feat in a single Champions League match. Notably, Lionel Messi — widely considered the greatest free-kick taker of his generation — has never done it. Neither has Juninho Pernambucano, who many view as the best to ever take a set piece. Here’s the exclusive list:

• Rivaldo (Barcelona) vs. AC Milan – 2000
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) vs. Zürich – 2009
• Neymar (PSG) vs. Red Star Belgrade – 2018
• Hakim Ziyech (Galatasaray) vs. Manchester United – 2023
• Declan Rice (Arsenal) vs. Real Madrid – 2025 (Knockout Stage)

Rice’s achievement is particularly historic as he’s the only one on the list to do it in a Champions League knockout round, raising the stakes and the significance of his performance even further.

A rare occurrence for Real Madrid

Despite Real Madrid’s historic success in the Champions League, conceding multiple goals from free kicks in one match is almost unheard of — especially to the same player.

In fact, Rice becomes just the second player ever to score two direct free-kick goals against Real Madrid in a European Cup match. The first? Ernst Happel for Rapid Wien — all the way back in 1956. That makes Rice the first player to do it in the Champions League era, and it places his name in both Arsenal and European soccer history.

However, Manchester City are already on the move. After Ilkay Gundogan left for Barcelona, the midfield has become a priority. Mateo Kovacic has officially been signed and there could be more names to come.

One of them was supposed to be Declan Rice after his extraordinary performances at West Ham. In a tremendous race with Arsenal to convince him, the Hammers have made a shocking decision.

Report: Arsenal beat Manchester City in race for Declan Rice

According to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City won’t make another bid to West Ham for Declan Rice. They’re out of the negotiations as Arsenal have put on the table a $130 million record offer.

Just a few days ago, Manchester City made a $100 million proposal with $10 more million on variables. However, the Hammers immediately rejected it as Arsenal were ready to go for more.

Now, this has become a solo race to sign Declan Rice. The Gunners are really close of signing one of the best midfielders in the world as Mikel Arteta is ready to compete for the Premier League and the Champions League.

It has been reported that Erik Ten Hag is a huge admirer of the England international, and a source confirmed to The Sun that Rice: “is interested in leaving (West Ham) at the end of the season and United believe they simply have to ensure he heads north and not to Arsenal or Chelsea.”

With the growing issues at Chelsea and the overboard number of players on their squad it looks unlikely Rice will go to Stamford Bridge, but Arsenal and Manchester United are still very much options.

Declan Rice transfer update

One of the things that the source pointed out is that Rice is good friends with Manchester United players Marcus and Luke Shaw and that the Red Devils will be very welcoming to Rice.

Arsenal on the other hand have kept an eye on Rice for some time and the midfielder certainly seems like a player that can only add to the Gunners squad. Rice has played 239 games in his professional career and scored 14 goals.

On the international level Rice played in the 2020 Euros and 2022 World Cup for England. A move to a bigger club seems imminent given the player’s age and interest surrounding Rice.

Rice was a no-brainer for Gareth Southgate and that’s why he started all five games during the World Cup. In 2015, Declan Rice began his development process at the youth level with West Ham and, eight years later, he is a Premier League star at his position. That’s why many teams are knocking on the Hammers’ door.

If the offer satisfies Declan Rice, and of course West Ham, Plan B has been activated for the club. There’s no margin of error considering the Hammers are in serious problems of relegation in the Premier League. Read here to find out who might take Rice’s place.

Who will replace Declan Rice at West Ham?

Edson Alvarez will be the answerif Declan Rice decides to leave West Ham considering the great interest shown by many teams in the Premier League for England’s player. Alvarez is 25-years old with a well earned prestige as a top defensive midfielder.

It’s important to remember that last summer, Edson Alvarez was really close of signing with Chelsea after N’Golo Kante got injured. He publicly asked Ajax to let him go in a very controversial statementjust hours before the transfer deadline. However, the Dutch club rejected any proposal and retained the Mexican midfielder.

Most of the operations involving Chelsea, for example Declan Rice, depend a lot on how Enzo Fernandez’s situation ends. For example, if the player from Argentina goes to the Blues, Rice might not have space for economic reasons and other teams could get involved. Arsenal are one of them.

At the same time, especially after what happened in August, Chelsea haven’t missed track of Edson Alvarez and his extraordinary performances with Ajax and Mexico’s National. So, a lot is at stake in the transfer market.

The French international becamethe club’s record signing in 2016 when Juventus bagged a mind-blowing €105 million. He may have struggled at the beginning, but eventually, he proved to be a key playerfor the Red Devils. Whether he is worth the €105mis another story.

But what we can be sure of is that Pogba is too valuable to let leave for free and even more if he was acquired for such an astonishing deal. But his renewal negotiations don’t seem to be getting any easier, and Man United mayalready be thinking about life after Pogba.

Manchester United’s target for a potential Paul Pogba departure

With the Pogba saga probably stealing all the headlines for the remainder of the season – unless he ultimately pens a new deal, Manchester United are now linked with West Ham star Declan Rice.

The defensive-minded midfielder has remarkably grownwith the Hammers and the England international team, with whom he shone in the Euro 2020. According to the Manchester Evening News,the London side would demand around €117 million to sell him.

Rice, 22, is under contract until 2024 but he is understood to be wanting a new challenge if he has the chance to do so. That includes playing Champions League soccer, something West Ham can’t assure.

By signing him, Manchester United wouldupgrade a crucial position, something they haven’t donethis year as they landed Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, and Cristiano Ronaldo. But next season, with Pogba out, Rice wouldbe a key addition. The Hammers also know it would be wiseto sell himbefore the contract expirationdate gets closer.

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The signing comes asa much-needed bit of good news for Manchester United after a Europa League final defeat to Villarreal and the fiasco of the European Super League which further added fuel to the fire between ManU fans and the Glazer family.

Now looking ahead to this season and their prime target all but assured, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still has four more names on his wish list and the board still have some negotiating to do. Here is the current status of Manchester United’s top targets!

Harry Kane

A long shot transfer, Harry Kane has made it no secret that he wants out of Tottenham, with no real plan to overtake the big clubs in England, Kane wants a new challenge. Still Tottenham will not be so eager to sell one of the country’s best forwards to a rival. Kane’s future is most likely out of England.

Pau Torres

Pau Torres has been on the list since the Europa League Final, and now at the Euros, Villarreal will want to cash in on one of their most valuable players. Torres could be an added improvement to a backline that has had issues. Chances are high that Torres signs with the Red Devils if they pull the trigger.

Declan Rice

One of the best players for England in the Euro’s Declan Rice has just turned down two new West Ham contracts in hopes of a move away from the club. Rice fits the mold of the kind of players United want and could make the jump if the Red Devils pay the fee.

Leon Goretzka

A little farfetched is the rumor of Leon Goretzka to Manchester United. Seen as a replacement for Pogba, Goretzka still has a contract with Bayern Munich and said deal is to expire in 2022. It looks doubtful as a move for this year, but surely United might be keen to get him on a free next season. Pogba is rumored to have been offered a deal which would make him the highest paid player of the Premier League.

Ever sinceRoman Abramovich became the club owner, the Blues turned into one of the richest teams in the world and began to make high-profile signings. Watching them landing top players for mind-blowing figures has become a common trend, and the upcoming transfer window probably won’t be the exception.

Last season, when Frank Lampard was preparing for his second year in charge, Chelsea have splashed the cash after being banned the previous term. Tuchel inherited a powerful squad, even though it was doing poorly before him, but that wouldn’t prevent him from going further this summer. With around $280 million to spend, these three players could strengthen the reigning European champions.

Romelu Lukaku (Inter)

It is no secret that the Belgian superstar is on the Blues radar for a possible return. Romelu Lukaku has had another fantastic season at the top level, scoring 26 times in 36 appearances to fire Inter Milan to a long-awaited Serie A title.

Under normal circumstances, the Nerazzurri wouldn’t even consider giving away one of their best players shortly after being crowned. However, the Italian giants are facing a worrying financial situation, which might force them to sell, and already saw coachAntonio Conte leaving.

Chelsea, on the other hand, would be seriously considering signing a world-class striker as they’ve been lacking a proven goalscorer last season. Timo Werner failed to deliver goals consistently, while Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud haven’t seen the field very much under Tuchel. Chelsea have the money to persuade Inter, who need economic relief, and Lukaku would be a strong upgrade to their attack.

Declan Rice (West Ham)

The 22-year-old has been linked with Chelsea before, andafter another great season with West Ham, the move could finally happen. Rice seems ready to chase a new challenge in his career and the Blues have the money to secure him once and for all.

The Hammers, however, wouldn’t be open to selling their most exciting prospect toLondon rivals, and it is also uncertain which part he could play with N’Golo Kanté and Jorginho settled in his position. Still, Rice could play a crucial part in the long term and Tuchel will have room for satisfying West Ham’s demands.

Adama Traoré (Wolves)

Wolverhampton‘s winger could be on Tuchel’s plans for next season, as he would fit perfectly in his system on the right flank. Even though Adama Traoré‘s form decreased in the last campaign, Chelsea could have in him a good option to back up or even fight for the place with Reece James.

The Blues will face a challenging year with multiple competitions on the horizon, including the Champions League title defense and the hunt forthe Premier League crown, which is why having depth might be crucial for succeeding.

According to the Mirror in England, the French World Cup winner’s agent will meet with Manchester United executives to negotiate a contract extension, the offer is set to be an estimated £400,000-per-week contract, but if Pogba turns down the offer the heads at ManU would try to sell the 28-year-old midfielder rather than have him leave on a free transfer next season.

Nonetheless the report indicates that Manchester United have a list of three players to replace Paul Pogba if he does not resign with the club and is sold in the summer. Here are the three names on Manchester United’s shortlist to replace Pogba.

Declan Rice

The 22-year-old from West Ham United has been capped 19 times by England, and has over 100 appearances for West Ham. Considered by many to be one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, Rice would cost Manchester United an over the top £100 million transfer fee.

Wilfred Ndidi

Nigerian Wilfred Ndidi is 24 years old and is at Leicester City, where he has played over 120 games for the Foxes. Ndidi could also be a cheaper buy than Rice and that could push his signing past the finish line.

Saul Niguez

United’s third option comes from Spain and it is Saul Niguez who is currently at Atletico Madrid. At 26, Niguez has been a mainstay at Atletico since 2012, and has been capped 19 times by Spain.

Ndidi and Niguez are said to be the two most affordable options for Manchester United, although Pogba has found a home in Manchester and is one of the teams’ leaders, it would be shocking if he was to move on.