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CAPTAINS MATTER | DECLAN DELIVERS

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Arsenal did it.

Semi-finals of the Champions League. Back to backs. First time in our 140-year history. We are the only English club to have made it this season.

Declan Rice, sick as of yesterday, dropped a magnificent performance that you could clearly see strained him. He was wearing the captain’s armband, why? Because the players demanded it.

> ‘They made a decision because I think Declan has earned the role, the way he is taking ownership in difficult moments.’

>

> ‘He’s a great leader.’

There are lines, and I implore you to read between them. An international coach didn’t break the news he was fit. We just saw him in the line-up. A magnificent moment that changed the course of our week.

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