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Declan Rice reveals animal themed nickname given by Arsenal team-mates

Arsenal star Declan Rice has revealed the nickname his team-mates have given to him at the Emirates.

The England star is approaching the start of his second season at the Gunners, after an excellent debut campaign following his move from West Ham last summer. 

Rice made 51 appearances in all competitions as Arsenal finished second in the league, and the Gunners hope to go one better this season.

Fresh off the Paris Olympics, Arsenal stars were asked to name the event they would have the best chance of getting a medal in during the Los Angeles Games in four years' time.

Rice responded: 'Because the lads call me the horse - 5,000 metres final running.'

Declan Rice has revealed that his Arsenal team-mates have given him the nick-name 'horse'

Rice also said that the 5,000 metre race would be his ideal event at the next Olympic Games

🗣️ “Starting from today, if you were to prepare for the next Olympics in four years, what event would you have the best chance of getting a medal in?” 🏅

Some interesting answers. 🤣

🎥 Arsenal on Instagram pic.twitter.com/TebLVWkFOW

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 15, 2024

Delving deeper into his answer, the 25-year-old added: 'I've got the stamina, the long legs, long strides, so I'll go for the 5,000 metres. 

Rice's impact on the Gunners has been heavily praised since his £105m move to the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta described Rice as 'like a lighthouse' for his ability to 'put light on others and make the team better'. 

Arsenal finished just two points shy of Manchester City last season, and this term hope to end their two-decade title drought. 

They will be boosted by the £42m signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, and hope to make more signings by the end of the summer.

Rice wasn't the only Arsenal player asked to name which Olympic event would suit them most. 

Takehiro Tomiyasu said his ideal event would be judo, William Saliba said shooting, while Thomas Partey suggested his best medal chance was in the javelin. 

New signing Calafiori's answer would excite the Gunners as the Italian said he would do the marathon, suggesting that he should bring a lot of energy into games this season.  

Rice (pictured with new team-mate Riccardo Calafiori) will be looking to help the Gunners go one better this season after they finished second in the Premier League standings last term

Ben White said his 'least embarrassing event' would be the 1500 metres, while Kai Havertz joked that his event would be the breakdancing. 

Finally, David Raya said he would do the shot put and England star Bukayo Saka said he could compete in the long jump. 

Arsenal kickstart their season against Wolves on Saturday afternoon.  

Source: dailymail.co.uk

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