Arsenal players choose Declan Rice captain, Arteta confirms after UCL semi

Arsenal players have chosen Declan Rice as the team’s captain, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming the squad’s vote after securing a Champions League semi-final spot. Arteta spoke following the Gunners’ goalless draw with Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, which sent Arsenal into the last four of Europe’s elite club competition. Rice, who recovered from illness, captained the side against Sporting and delivered a typically commanding performance. This came after he had already led the team out in Martin Odegaard’s absence during the 2-1 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth the previous weekend.

Arteta said the players made the decision because Rice has earned the role through his ownership in difficult moments. He added that Rice could continue wearing the armband this weekend when Arsenal face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The choice highlights the trust teammates place in Rice’s leadership amid Odegaard’s unavailability and signals stability for the squad as they pursue both domestic and European ambitions.

With the semi-final clash looming and a crucial Premier League match against City upcoming, will you see Declan Rice’s captaincy as a turning point for Arsenal’s season, or do you think the armband should return to Odegaard once he is fit?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/16/ucl-arsenal-players-chose-declan-rice-as-captain-arteta/