Two Free Kick Goals Declan Rice: Bukayo Saka Orders Me To Do It
Declan Rice is in the spotlight. Two free-kick goals against Thibaut Courtois gave Arsenal a 3-0 win over Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, early morning WIB.
Declan Rice revealed the role Bukayo Saka played in his first free-kick against Real Madrid.
He said his teammate pushed him to take it even though the football coach died, Nicolas Jover, urging him to make a cross.
Ahead of the first free kick, Jover was seen signaling Rice to kick the ball.
Given the enormous influence of the coach on Arsenal's set-piece ball productivity this season, it is assumed that Jover was the one who advised Rice to deflect his shot over the calf fence.
However, the 26-year-old said he said otherwise.
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"He (Jover) told me to make a cross. It doesn't make sense. I'm happy I did. Bukayo said, if you feel it, just do it."
"I looked at the wall and the goalkeeper and thought I could turn it outside."
"The pass was already in the locker, but I hit the wall too often or the ball bounced over the bar too much."
"Initially we were going to pass it and I just saw the wall and the position of the goalkeeper. So, I think, just do it."
"Secondly, it seems too far. At first I was going to cross the wall, but I often train to approach the goalkeeper and I just do it. After the first one, I feel confident," Rice said after the game.
Rice further emphasized that self-confidence is the key in the action.
He also said that his braces would still be special in the coming years.
"It won't work now because there's still one more step to take. I'm very happy."
"However, in the next few years, it will really make me realize that what I did tonight was really special."
"Throughout my career, people have always told me to shoot more and that I need to create more chances."
"That's confidence. I have to keep reminding myself that I can do it," he said.
Rice's goal was his first goal from a free kick and put Arsenal in the lead to reach their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.
Next, the Gunners will travel to Real Madrid headquarters next week.