Declan Rice has perfect message as Arsenal are crowned Premier League champions
Arsenal are Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years
Declan Rice could finally declare the Premier League title race was 'done' after Arsenal secured the title on Tuesday.
The former Ireland international famously insisted the championship battle wasn't finished following the Gunners' crushing loss to Manchester City earlier in the campaign. However, within minutes of Arsenal being confirmed as champions, he took to Instagram with a photograph featuring teammates Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze, William Saliba, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bukayo Saka.
Accompanying Rice's post was the message: "I told you all.. it's done," complete with red heart and trophy emojis. The upload references the widely-shared moment when he was overheard telling Martin Odegaard 'it's not done' immediately following Arsenal's loss to Man City, which appeared to hand Pep Guardiola's squad control of the championship race.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Rice's remarks at the time. He commented: "It's not done, and we are more confident that we're going to do it.
"That was the feeling that, probably without them expressing it in the dressing room, I felt immediately, and that was very powerful."
Ultimately, Arsenal clinched the championship with a match to spare. A 1-0 victory over Burnley on Monday night positioned them on the brink, before City's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth confirmed their first title in 22 years, reports the Mirror.
Rice wasn't alone in voicing his thoughts on Tuesday evening. Arsenal boss Arteta said: "We made history again together, I cannot be happier and prouder for everybody that is involved in this football club. Let's enjoy the moment."
Meanwhile, former manager Arsene Wenger also featured in a touching montage shared on the official Arsenal account.
The legendary Frenchman said: "You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment."
The Gunners will now prepare to collect the silverware on the season's closing day when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Following that, their focus shifts to the Champions League final, where they have the opportunity to secure a remarkable double.
The North London outfit will face French powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain in the showpiece event in Budapest in less than two weeks' time.
