Declan Rice backs new Arsenal signing Noni Madueke to ‘shock a lot of people’ and hits out at negative reaction | OneFootball

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has backed new signing Noni Madueke to prove his doubters wrong.

Madueke completed a move to the Gunners from Chelsea for a fee of £48.5million, rising to £52m with add-ons, this summer.

But following his signing, more than 4,000 people signed a petition objecting to the move, while #NoToMadueke trended on social media.

The extreme reaction prompted Rice to write a personal welcome letter to the 23-year-old England international.

“I didn’t like it, if I’m speaking honestly,” Rice said of the negative reaction from some towards Madueke joining.

“I’ve spoken to him and you’re going to see what he’s about this season.

“He’s so driven. He wants to prove and show everyone what he can do. There’s a hunger inside his belly.

“He’s hungry, he wants to play for Arsenal and that’s the type of players we want.

“I think he’s going to shock a lot of people and I can’t wait for him to come. That’s what I said in my letter and I really mean it because I really like him as a person.

“I said I would love to write a letter for him. He messaged me about it, saying that he really appreciates it.

“It was just a nice little touch for him to join the club and feel welcome. Trust me when I say the boys are really looking forward to it.

“People have been speaking internally, the players, the staff. We know the player that we’re getting and we’re really looking forward to having him at our club.”

Rice also offered insight into what fans can expect from Madueke on and off the pitch.

“I met him with England and was blown away by his personality,” he said. “He lifts the dressing room and cares about his football. He has high demands of himself, and that’s what surprised me.

“Then on the pitch, he just wants to beat his man. He’s so positive and direct.”

Looking ahead to the new season, Rice believes Madueke will bring much needed squad depth.

He continued: “Let’s be real. We hardly had any depth in certain areas. We played half the season carrying knocks and with limited rotation. Now, to have players we can rely on across different competitions is going to be key.”

Rice was speaking in Singapore after Arsenal beat AC Milan 1-0 in the first game of their pre-season tour.

They will face Newcastle United and Tottenham before returning to London for home games against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao to complete their pre-season.