SHOCK IT TO EMINON

Rice says Madueke is Gunner blow all the doubters away

- from NICK CALLOW in Singapore

IT WAS long before Noni Madueke signed for Arsenal that Declan Rice knew what type of player and personality he is.

"I met him with England and was blown away by his personality," said Rice. "He lifts the dressing room and cares about his football. He has high demands of himself, and that's what surprised me. Then on the pitch, he just wants to beat his man. He's so positive and direct."

When Madueke completed his £48.5m move from Chelsea to Arsenal, and social media decided to have its say, Rice stepped in. "I said I would love to write a letter for him," revealed Rice.