Arsenal star Declan Rice makes 'big balls' admission ahead of PSG Champions League clash

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta fumes after Bournemouth defeat
Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley


Published: 06/05/2025

- 20:39

Arsenal must overturn a 1-0 deficit against PSG in the Champions League

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has issued a bold rallying cry ahead of tomorrow's crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, declaring his team needs to show "big balls" to overturn their 1-0 deficit.

The Gunners must win by at least two goals in Paris to reach their first Champions League final since 2006.


"We need to have big balls and we need to go out there on the biggest stage and show that we're ready to play at this level," Rice told reporters at Tuesday's pre-match press conference.

Arsenal face PSG at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, with a place in the Munich final at stake.

Declan Rice

Declan Rice has told his Arsenal team-mates they need 'big balls'

Reuters

Rice, who scored two crucial free-kicks in Arsenal's quarter-final victory over Real Madrid, revealed that manager Mikel Arteta emphasises the importance of individual brilliance in decisive moments.

"The manager calls them magic moments," Rice explained. "He always talks about having someone delivering a magic moment."

The England international is hoping lightning might strike twice after his heroics against Madrid.

"In that game against Madrid, obviously I was able to produce two free-kicks, which were incredible.

"But tomorrow night, a semi-final is set up for someone else to maybe get that magic moment."

"Hopefully it's me again, but you're going to need a moment of magic to win a game."

Arsenal struggled in the early stages of the first leg, with Dembele's fourth-minute strike catching them off guard.

"The first 15 minutes, the early goal shocked us a little bit," Rice admitted.

"Once we worked out how we could beat them, obviously we missed a few chances, but in terms of how we were driving with the ball, giving our wingers one-vs-one opportunities, chances started to open up."

Arsenal PSGArsenal lost 1-0 to PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday night, with Ousmane Dembele's early goal the difference between the two sidesPA

"You need to have full belief. If we're the best versions of ourselves tomorrow night, we know we can be that.

"There's no stopping us getting into that final."

Arsenal will be boosted by the return of Thomas Partey, who missed the first leg through suspension.

Rice was effusive in his praise for the Ghanaian midfielder: "Total calmness, the best thing about playing with Thomas is the calmness he brings to play with the team."

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told his players to take their chances on Wednesday night

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told his players to take their chances on Wednesday night

Reuters

Despite criticism of captain Martin Odegaard's recent performances, Rice offered unwavering support: "I wouldn't want anyone else being our captain and the lads think the same."

Arteta, meanwhile, views the match as a historic opportunity for the club.

"We are here to make history - we have a big opportunity tomorrow," the Spaniard said.

"It's one of the most beautiful," he added when asked if this was his biggest game as Arsenal manager.