'Nowhere near the level' – Arsenal star Declan Rice admits heartbreak of Euro 2024 final defeat made last season 'really, really hard'

Arsenal star Declan Rice has opened up about the mental and physical toll he endured after England’s heartbreaking loss in the Euro 2024 final to Spain. Despite the crushing disappointment, Rice has now turned the page, declaring his intent to push his limits for both club and country over the next 12 months.

Declan Rice Opens Up on Euro 2024 Final Heartbreak and Arsenal Comeback

From Defeat’s Shadow to Renewed Determination

In the wake of ‘s crushing loss in the Euro 2024 final, ‘s standout midfielder Declan Rice has shared how the emotional toll nearly derailed his season. Now, with a fresh perspective and full pre-season under his belt, he’s poised to elevate his game and lead the Gunners to new heights.

  • Rice is key part of England team
  • The Lions lost to in Euros final
  • The defeat had deep psychological impact on Rice

'Nowhere near the level' - Arsenal star Declan Rice admits heartbreak of Euro 2024 final defeat made last season 'really, really hard''Nowhere near the level' - Arsenal star Declan Rice admits heartbreak of Euro 2024 final defeat made last season 'really, really hard''Nowhere near the level' - Arsenal star Declan Rice admits heartbreak of Euro 2024 final defeat made last season 'really, really hard'

Declan Rice’s Pivotal Role in England’s Euro 2024 Campaign

The young 25-year-old dynamo stood out as a cornerstone for the Three Lions during their run to the match, logging every single minute on the pitch. Even with such an intense schedule, he jumped back into club duties at Arsenal a mere 34 days later, kicking off their league campaign versus Wolves and tallying an impressive 60 outings in various tournaments throughout the term.

Emotional Aftermath of the Final Loss

During Arsenal’s preparatory trip to Asia, Rice opened up honestly about the lingering mental strain from the Euros climax and its influence on his early performances in the 2024-25 campaign.

“I’m setting ambitious goals for myself this time around,” he revealed. “I’m pushing my limits hard because I ended the previous term on a high note. But early on last year, I wasn’t performing up to my own standards. I attribute it to several factors, like the mental drain from the Euros defeat. With only a short 16-day break before diving into the grind, it proved incredibly challenging.”

“It required a couple of months to regain my rhythm, but with a complete pre-season now, I’m feeling sharper and more robust. My aim is to launch the upcoming season with maximum intensity, holding myself accountable to that standard.”

Adapting Positions: Declan Rice’s Evolving Role at Arsenal

Initially positioned as a defensive shield in midfield, Rice has shifted to a more advanced spot, frequently acting as an energetic box-to-box player. This evolution looks primed for further growth this year, thanks to fresh acquisitions like Martín Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, who specialize in anchoring the midfield. Their presence should grant Rice more liberty to advance and make decisive impacts in attacking zones.

Latest Updates on Arsenal’s Squad and Pre-Season

As of recent reports in 2024, Arsenal has bolstered their midfield depth, with Rice contributing to a team that achieved a record 89 points in the previous Premier League season, narrowly missing the title. This strategic reinforcement aims to build on that momentum, potentially allowing Rice to surpass his career-high of seven goals from last term.

Upcoming Challenges in Arsenal’s Pre-Season Tour

The Gunners’ exhibition schedule heats up this week with an exciting clash against Newcastle on July 27 in Singapore. Following that, they’ll face a groundbreaking showdown with rivals Hotspur, hosting the inaugural overseas edition of the iconic north London rivalry.