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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has opened up on his Ballon d'Or prospects, and has some firm priorities as the Gunners enter a crucial part of the season
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has revealed his priority lies in delivering silverware for the Gunners rather than pursuing individual accolades such as the Ballon d'Or. Since his club-record £105million switch from West Ham United in July 2023, Rice has established himself as an integral figure in Mikel Arteta's side.
The 27-year-old has featured 38 times across all competitions this term as Arsenal pursue a historic quadruple. Arteta's men currently sit atop the Premier League standings, will contest the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, remain in the FA Cup fifth round with a tie against Mansfield Town ahead and have progressed to the Champions League knockout stages.
The pressure is mounting on the north London outfit to break their six-year wait for major silverware, with their last triumph coming in the 2020 FA Cup final against Chelsea. Whilst many expect that drought to end this campaign, questions have been raised about Arsenal's ability to handle pressure following recent league setbacks.
Rice has addressed speculation regarding his credentials for this year's Ballon d'Or, the prestigious honour bestowed upon the world's finest player. In conversation with The Sun, he made clear that claiming the award isn't his primary objective.
He said: "It's unreal, obviously. You want to be involved in those conversations. They're the right ones to be involved in. But also you see the recent Ballon d'Or winners, what they've won during their season.
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"Hopefully we can have a successful season and I can be involved in those conversations. That would be amazing.
"If not, that's not something I am setting my eye on. I really want the team to do well first."
The Gunners' first opportunity to claim a much-anticipated piece of silverware arrives with the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on March 22. Rice has acknowledged his excitement for the major clash against Premier League title challengers City.
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He added: "I'm buzzing. It's everything we've been working towards. It's the first trophy that's up for grabs. It's one that you can take and then after that, go on in the Premier League and have full momentum.
"We're in a really good position now that we're in the final and now we have a chance to go and win it. But where it's in March, and then you still have two months left of the Prem, it's a real momentum builder. So it's one that we're definitely looking to go and win."
The midfielder will also be hoping to celebrate trophy success on the world stage this summer, with England pursuing World Cup glory in North America. Gareth Southgate's side are drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama, with the 48-nation tournament beginning on June 11 when Mexico face South Africa.
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