Declan Rice has come out swinging at Arsenal’s detractors, declaring “jealousy everywhere” as the Gunners refused to let their Champions League final heartbreak overshadow a landmark Premier League title. Just 24 hours after losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties — following a 1-1 draw — Arsenal took their trophy through the streets of north London on a bus parade, and Rice was not about to let the keyboard warriors have the last word.
Declan Rice and Noni Madueke Shut Down Arsenal’s Critics
Noni Madueke set the tone first, posting on social media: “Champions! Whilst others are tweeting and posting.” Rice then piled in alongside four laughing emojis, keeping it short and devastating: “Jealousy everywhere.” The message was clear — the Premier League trophy sits in north London, and no amount of social media trolling changes that.
Furthermore, the jabs came from closer to home than just faceless accounts online. Tottenham fullback Djed Spence timed his intervention perfectly, responding to an Arsenal social media post from February — where the Gunners had written “locked up” alongside footage of the Spurs defender — with a pair of open eyes and an open lock emoji, posted shortly after Arsenal’s Champions League exit was confirmed. Spence, Rice and Madueke will all link up as England teammates for pre-World Cup friendlies, which should make for some interesting dressing room dynamics.
Chelsea and Spurs Twist the Knife — But Rice Has the Last Laugh
Meanwhile, Chelsea couldn’t resist either. Still the only London club to have lifted the Champions League, the Blues wasted no time advertising their Stamford Bridge trophy tour — pointedly timed to land just as Arsenal’s European dream evaporated. “Come and visit London’s Home of Trophies. Book your Stadium Tour at Stamford Bridge now,” they posted. Petty? Absolutely. Effective? You have to admit it landed.
Nevertheless, Rice had the final word on Sunday’s parade, addressing supporters with a rallying cry that felt less like a consolation speech and more like a war declaration. “I love this team, I love the manager. To see the joy we can give people, it’s crazy,” he told the crowd. “But, next year we’re coming back for more. You heard it here first now. Lock in or get locked out.”
Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years is theirs. The Champions League remains unfinished business. And judging by Rice’s tone, the Gunners are already hungry for more.