Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has revealed the motivational advice he receives from Mikel Arteta, named his favourite current free-kick taker and reflected on his unforgettable goals against Real Madrid.
The England international discussed several subjects during an interview with TNT Sports featuring questions from Bukayo Saka, Yaya Toure, Roberto Carlos and famous Youtube personality KSI.
One of the most revealing moments came when former Manchester City midfielder Toure asked what Arteta says to inspire Rice before matches.
Rice explained that the Arsenal manager encourages him to trust his abilities rather than alter his approach for different opponents.
“The most important thing my manager tells me is just to be myself,” Rice said. “He says that depending on the opposition, I never have to change for anyone.”
The midfielder believes that reassurance gives him the confidence to perform consistently in an Arsenal shirt.
Rice also received a question from Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos, who wanted to know whom he considers the world’s best current free-kick taker.
Despite his own spectacular set-piece goals against Real Madrid in April 2025, Rice selected Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
“I think the free kicks he’s scored [are] unbelievable. The way he strikes the ball, unbelievable,” Rice explained.
However, he named Carlos as his greatest free-kick taker of all time, referencing the Brazilian’s famous effort against France.
Rice recalled meeting Carlos in a lift following Arsenal’s victory over Real Madrid, admitting he was star-struck by the encounter.
Another memorable exchange came when Saka asked what Rice would most like to do in London without being recognised.
The 27-year-old admitted that he occasionally misses the freedom of walking around the capital unnoticed.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that encounters with supporters can be enjoyable, particularly conversations with London taxi drivers.
Rice also revealed which three famous goals he would recreate if given the opportunity.
His first choice was his second free-kick against Real Madrid, a moment he admitted he would happily relive repeatedly.
He also selected Zinedine Zidane’s remarkable volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final.
Completing his selection was Gareth Bale’s overhead kick against Liverpool in the 2018 final.
Rice conceded that reproducing Bale’s acrobatic effort would be difficult but expressed enthusiasm about attempting it.
The interview offered an insight into the midfielder’s personality, combining admiration for footballing legends with appreciation for Arteta’s management.
His comments also highlighted the confidence and ambition that have made him an influential figure in Arsenal’s pursuit of further major honours.