'Noni's personality blew me away ...he's hungry to succeed & will shock a lot of people'

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

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"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 (left) completed his move from Chelsea to the Emirates in a £52million deal, and social media decided to have its say, Rice stepped in.

"I said I would love to write a letter for him," said Rice. "He messaged me about it, saying that he really appreciates it.