Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has disclosed that teammate Declan Rice did about 12 laps of the training ground to avoid watching the end of Manchester City’s match against Bournemouth, which ultimately handed Arsenal the 2026 Premier League title.
Tough Watching Bournemouth Vs Man City
While most of the Arsenal squad were watching the game together at the London Colney training ground, Rice couldn’t handle the stress.
Saka joked about the intensity of the walk, stating, “This guy must have done about 12 laps of the training ground. We were all watching it on TV. He couldn’t watch it. It was hilarious”.
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However, in a chat with the club’s website, Rice noted he only came back in when he heard the roar of the goals, ultimately witnessing the final whistle that confirmed Arsenal as champions.
“I took the security guard, Pete, the first 40 minutes we walked every pitch possible. We were just chatting about the most random stuff.
“And then we hear the roar, so we come back in for the first goal. I was like, same again. And then on the way I was like, ‘I’m telling everyone, sit back in the same spot and all this’. And then literally come back in five minutes to go, and it was done, but I just couldn’t watch it.
“Incredible. Just saying and feeling that we’re champions, it’s all we’ve wanted. It’s nice! It’s been a dream. It’s everything I expected and more.
“[After Manchester City defeat] I believed because there was still five games to go. We started to be a bit more free in our game and play a bit better. It was a strong message and it has paid off.”
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Saka Heaps Praise On Rice, Arteta
Saka has also had high praise for both Rice and manager Mikel Arteta, who he credits for transforming Arsenal during his time in charge.
‘The faith he’s put in me since the start and how he’s transformed this club. Not everyone knows but we see it every day, how hard he works, how much he wants this,’ Saka told Sky Sports.
