Declan Rice spoke to TNT Sport after [Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Sporting](https://arseblog.news/2026/04/report-arsenal-0-0-sporting-2/) this evening ensured passage into the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second consecutive season, the first time in the club’s history we’ve done that.
Here’s what he had to say.
**What’s the over-riding feeling?**
“Delighted. So, so happy. It was a really tough test over two games, but to go back-to-back semifinals is an amazing achievement for this group and we want to now go one step further than last year and get to the final.
“We played Atletico once this year, it was a really good game, we know what to expect. So, bring on these last couple of weeks.”
**How frustrating was tonight?**
“Frustrating? No, we just got to a semi-final, no frustration. Positivity all the way. Who cares what people think? All that matters is what this group thinks, what the manager thinks and we’re in another semi-final. I’m delighted.”
**On improving in attacking areas …**
“Yeah, of course, you want to be able to score goals. Most teams that come here, we play against 5-4-1 every time, so there’s a bit of perspective with that. Every team we’ve played this season either changes from a 4 to a 5 to defend against us, so the spaces aren’t there as much and that’s the actual truth.
“So, it’s on us to find ways to score and break it down, but we’re playing against top players every week, so we’ll keep going, keep playing well, keep getting over the line and bring it on, bring on everything.”
**How have the last couple of weeks been with lots of ‘noise’ around the club?**
“It’s like being at any other top club. There’s noise with everything. This is Arsenal football club, you know. There’s noise with every game, there’s scrutiny. If you don’t play well, if you play good, take it with a pinch of salt, keep it moving and bring on the last few weeks. It’s a rollercoaster, no-one’s going to hand you anything in this game, so just keep going and what we’ll be will be.
“Let’s just keep going strong.”
**Do Arsenal need to win at Man City?**
“Yeah, of course, you have to win every game. We want to win every game in the Premier League. Our record this year has been amazing in all competitions.
“That’s why we play the games. It’s a game of football at the end of the day, so we’ll be ready for it, we’ll be ready to go and how much you want it. I know I’ll be ready, I know the boys will be ready, so let’s go.”