Declan Rice described Arsenal's Champions League final defeat as "devastating" after Paris Saint-Germain triumphed 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Budapest.
The midfielder spoke to TNT Sports in the aftermath of the heartbreaking loss, which came in what was the Gunners' 63rd match of the campaign.
"It's devastating to lose a Champions League final on penalties," Rice said. "We tried to take a lot of perspective in how far we've come as a group. An incredible season."
He acknowledged the cruel nature of spot-kicks, noting that "some of the best teams in the world have lost on pens."
Declan Rice spoke to the media after Arsenal's defeat to PSG
|TNT SPORTS
Rice was quick to rally behind Gabriel and Eberechi Eze, whose missed penalties proved decisive in the shootout.
"Devastated. Missing a penalty in a Champions League final isn't nice. But we love them," the England international said.
He stressed that such moments are part of football and that the pair would not be the last players to fail from the spot in major finals.
Rice pointed to their vital contributions throughout the season, stating: "Without them two this season, we wouldn't have won the Premier League."
While describing the outcome as "cruel," he insisted the team would focus on the positives from their campaign.
💬 "We're all gutted. 😩"
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 30, 2026
Declan Rice speaks after Arsenal lose the UEFA Champions League final...
📺 TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/X3oOn8OTvX
Rice charted Arsenal's European journey since his arrival at the club, highlighting their steady advancement from quarter-final elimination to semi-final and now a final appearance.
"This is only the start for us," he declared. "We got over the line in the Premier League, this would've been one step further but it wasn't to be."
The midfielder revealed that manager Mikel Arteta had addressed the squad after the match, expressing his love for the group and praising their commitment throughout a demanding season.
Rice remained defiant about the team's future trajectory, insisting: "This isn't going to define us."
PSG's victory in Budapest cemented their place among European football's elite, making them just the second club to successfully defend the Champions League title.
Gabriel missed in the penalty shootout as PSG beat Arsenal to win the Champions League | GETTYThe French champions matched Real Madrid's achievement from 2016 to 2018, becoming only the tenth side in the competition's 71-year history to claim consecutive crowns.
Their triumph followed last year's comprehensive 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in Munich.
Manager Luis Enrique admitted to mixed emotions after the final whistle.
PSG boss Luis Enrique celebrates with Vitinha after their Champions League final win over Arsenal | GETTY"Excitement, fatigue - everything," he said. "But this is the best moment of the season. We are still champs, two in a row, it's amazing."