Declan Rice affirmed that he is capable of maintaining high competition intensity for Arsenal, after experiencing a difficult summer with the England national team at the 2026 World Cup.
Rice has just closed a long season at both club and national team levels. The Arsenal midfielder has played a total of 69 matches, including his journey with England to the World Cup semi-finals and with the "Gunners" to the Champions League final.
Signs of fatigue once appeared when Rice wore the England national team jersey, especially after a stressful season with Arsenal. However, the 27-year-old player does not think that a large playing volume is too serious. After the necessary rest period, Rice believes that he can continue to maintain high intensity in the new season.
I think in the last 6 seasons, since playing for West Ham and starting to play football in the European arena, I have played more than 60 matches each season. Therefore, I believe I can completely maintain this intensity, because I have proven that ability myself" - Rice shared.
For the English midfielder, the most important thing is not the number of matches played but the ability to maintain form and stability in each week.
The most important thing is to maintain form, class and stability. For me, it is to be able to play every week, show my best ability and help the team win. I am lucky to have done that, and I really want to continue to maintain this this season" - Rice said.
The Arsenal midfielder also felt relieved when the physical problems that once affected him at the World Cup were resolved. Rice said he had a hamstring problem during his time playing in the US.
Yes, everything is really difficult" - Rice recalled when asked about his fitness at the World Cup. "Everyone knows I have a hamstring problem. After a stressful Premier League season and then continuing to play in the Champions League, having to play at the World Cup in such hot weather conditions really erodes my fitness. I always want to step onto the field in the best condition and dedicate 100% to England.
Rice admitted that his physical condition was not always stable throughout the tournament. There were matches when he felt energetic, but there were also times when his body did not meet the requirements.
There are matches I feel really good about, like the match against the DRC. So, that's one of the things I have to manage. And as I said, in the summer, I rested completely" - Rice added.
After the World Cup ended, the break gave Rice more time to recover before returning to Arsenal. In the opening match of this season's Champions League, he continued to participate when the "Gunners" defeated Napoli 1-0 thanks to a goal by Martin Odegaard.
For Rice, it is a sign that he is ready to continue to play an important role in Arsenal's plans, despite the increasingly tight schedule.
