Adidas has released a captivating announcement video affirming Declan Rice’s transfer to Arsenal from West Ham, and it can be confidently said that they have exceeded expectations.
The English midfielder’s transfer to the Gunners was officially completed today, commanding a substantial fee estimated at around £105 million.
This noteworthy transaction positions Rice among the most expensive English players in history and elevates Arsenal’s summer expenditure beyond the £200 million mark.
West Ham, earlier on Saturday, confirmed the departure of their captain, accompanied by a statement from Rice himself published on the club’s website.
The Gunners, meanwhile, waited till the afternoon to confirm their record signing – first revealing him to fans via a live-streamed team meeting on their YouTube channel.
Rice gave a speech to the rest of the Arsenal squad and emphasised his excitement at joining the club.
“Obviously, first day, I’m really looking forward to playing with you all and sharing many good moments together,” he said.
“Obviously, seeing what you guys have been doing over the past couple of seasons. I’m really looking forward to getting started and hopefully enjoying a few trophies together.”
VIDEO: Rice gives speech to Arsenal team
The Arsenal announce the signing of Declan Rice 🔴⚪️
— Gunners (@Gunnersc0m) July 15, 2023
Adidas’ brilliant announcement video
While Arsenal’s announcement of Rice was certainly unique, Adidas may have trumped them with their own video of Rice’s move to north London.
Featuring cameos from Ian Wright, Aaron Ramsdale, Alessia Russo and even Stormzy, the sportswear manufacturer has created a masterpiece.
The video centres around Arsenal players and fans trying to convince Rice to join the club, while Stormzy stresses his frustration that the midfielder is not joining his beloved Manchester United.
At the end of the video, Rice is seen wearing the Arsenal strip, before pointing at the camera and saying: “Yes Gunners, north London is home now.”
Watch the clip below:
grew up in South 💪
made name in East 👏
now, a new adventure: North London 🔴@_DeclanRice @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/vuYtQz5SWV— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) July 15, 2023