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Declan Rice was shocked by what Arsenal stars did when he joined, but now he’s doing it himself

Posted on by angelo
Declan Rice was shocked by what Arsenal stars did when he joined, but now he’s doing it himself

Declan Rice admitted he was shocked by something he saw Arsenal players do when he arrived – but he is now doing it himself.

The England international has just completed his debut campaign at the Emirates Stadium, and although it ended without any silverware – apart from the FA Community Shield – the Arsenal No.41 has been nothing short of exceptional.

Arsenal’s 2023/24 awards night is yet to take place, although the Londoner has already been selected as BBC Sport’s Gunner of the Season following a fan vote – which means it all say.

Now Declan Rice has revealed the secret behind his energetic displays at Arsenal…

Declan Rice shares secret to dynamic performances at Arsenal

The £105million man has now shared what allows him to roam around the Emirates Stadium on match days without ever appearing to tire – and it’s not what you might expect.

Declan Rice of Arsenal at the Sobha Realty training center on May 16, 2024 in St Albans, England.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Speaking to Men’s Health, Rice said: “Pancakes. I eat four pancakes before a game. Covered with syrup or honey. I swear to God, it’s the best thing – it’s changed this season. You don’t believe me, do you?

“They’re just regular pancakes.” When I joined the club, I saw the players eating them and I was like, “What is going on here?

“But honestly, it was a game changer. I don’t understand the science behind it, what’s in it or anything like that, but it gives me such a boost of energy. I think that’s why I’m able to move so much on the court… It’s actually getting out of control. If we play at 5:30 p.m., I sometimes eat eight pancakes a day. I’ll have some for breakfast and have some more at 3:30 p.m. before playing.

The magic pancakes meant Rice did not miss a single Premier League game for Arsenal last season – completing 90 minutes on all but seven occasions.

Gunners will only get better

Of course, some Arsenal fans may not care about the pancakes after narrowly missing out on a second consecutive Premier League title, even though there are plenty of positive signs.

Arsenal players pose for a group photo ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and RC Lens at the Emirates Stadium on November 1...
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

READ MORE: Arsenal now have chance to sign wanted striker Mikel Arteta in 2022 for just £10m

Importantly, the backbone of the team, like Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Kai Havertz, are all 26 or younger.

Therefore, with the experience and know-how of a Premier League title run under their belt – and plenty of time remaining when it comes to their physical peaks – this is only the beginning for the Gunners to Arteta constantly improving.

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