Declan Rice’s blockbuster performance against Real Madrid has received praise from many famous faces, which now includes a member of the Royal Family, William, Prince of Wales.
The midfielder put in a huge display for Arsenal, with the sort of individual quality worthy of winning any football match.
A first free-kick from Rice sent the Emirates Stadium into celebratory scenes, leading the Spanish giants in the game after a convincing first-half without a goal.
Just moments later, the midfielder somehow bettered it as Rice’s second free-kick hit the back of the net, stunning everyone with the whip and curl it managed.
In the end, it played a huge part in Arsenal beating Real Madrid 3-0, with praise continuing to pour in for the display.
So much so, even Prince William has joined the conversation on Declan Rice.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesPrince William praises Declan Rice and makes England set-piece claim
There are plenty of famous Arsenal fans out there, along with a few that were spotted in the crowd at the Emirates Stadium against Real Madrid.
Dua Lipa was spotted celebrating the victory, while Anne Hathaway has revealed she is a Gunners fan, showing her devotion whenever possible.
While there are those who support the team, there are some famous faces who support rivals, including Prince William.
The heir to the British throne is actually an avid Aston Villa supporter and was spotted watching his side fall to defeat against PSG in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final – the winner of which will take on the winner of Arsenal vs Real Madrid.
Prince William was spotted speaking on TNT Sports before the match in the French capital and had some time to talk about Declan Rice.
He said: “I think we can all speak, and I think Declan will agree with this, but I’ve never seen Declan take a free-kick like that in my life. Nor has he [laughs].
“But what a couple of amazing free-kicks. But what a performance by Arsenal. It was an incredible match to watch.
“But I’m really excited for Declan to see what he can do for the England team. I think if he can do that now, he could be the England set-piece taker and that’s exciting.”
Given the impact of Arsenal’s set-pieces with Rice in the team, it would be no surprise to see him take them more regularly for the national team too.
Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty ImagesPSG take upper hand in Champions League quarter-final over Aston Villa
With the first leg of all of the Champions League quarter-finals now out of the way, the competition is starting to take a bit more shape.
Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid gives them the upper hand, though it is far from over as a clash at the Bernabeu awaits.
The winner of that will face one of Aston Villa or PSG, with the two sides playing out something of a thriller at the Parc des Princes.
Morgan Rogers gave the Premier League side the lead, only for goals from Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Nuno Mendes to sink them.
The Villains will need to overcome that 3-1 defeat back at Villa Park to give themselves a date with destiny in the semi-finals.