Sport Features

DECLAN RICE is now an Arsenal player.The England star 24, has broken the British transfer record and signed for the Gunners in a stunning £105million deal.
Declan Rice has enjoyed a remarkable rise in the gameCredit: Getty
Rice will now be serenaded by Arsenal fans after signing for the GunnersCredit: REUTERS
Rice, centre, played for Chelsea in youth alongside Mason Mount, right
It completes a remarkable rise for the midfielder who was snubbed by Chelsea as a youngster.
He went on to become a West Ham teen sensation, comparable to Bobby Moore, before leading the club to European glory.
While Rice could have been playing his international football for Ireland, if he hadn’t made a last-minute U-turn to play for the Three Lions.
Chelsea reject
Rice’s rise to prominence didn’t come without its disappointments.
READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
In his early years, he played with best mate Mason Mount in Chelsea’s youth sides.
All he ever knew was Chelsea – joining the club at the tender age of seven.
But in 2013, his world came crashing down when he was let go by the Blues.
“I was released by Chelsea at 14 years old,” Rice recalled in 2018.
Most read in Football
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
“I remember it, a Tuesday night. On the Wednesday I was training with Fulham, five minutes from my house, and then on the Thursday I was training with West Ham.
“After one session at both clubs they both wanted me. There was interest from other clubs as well but I made the switch to West Ham. I had to change house, change school, so it was a massive decision – and it’s paid off.
“When Chelsea let me go it was really deflating. For me, as a youngster, it’s all I ever knew – living 10 minutes from the training ground, going to loads of the games.
“It’s one of those where you’ve just got to pick yourself up and go again. I think some of the boys at Chelsea might be thinking ‘Wow! Look at Dec doing well for West Ham’.”
Spurred on by John Terry
In the crestfallen teenager’s moment of need, club legend John Terry reached out to the future star who had idolised him as a child.
Rice told the Times in 2018: “John would speak to the parents and take his time to get to know young players and families. For a club captain to do that is quality.
“I based my whole game on John when I was younger. When I was released by Chelsea he called for 45 minutes and I remember I was sat in my room next to my dad.
“It was John Terry – I could not believe it.
When Rice was 14 he was released by the Blues
John Terry reached out to Rice to ease his heartbreak when Chelsea let him goCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26
“He handed over all his experience and advice. He said to never stop, always keep working hard and give everything you have.
“It stayed in my head, and look where I am now. No dream is far away.
“I last met John for a two-hour breakfast with my cousin about six months ago. Sometimes I text him, like when he retired and he replied ‘Thanks mate, it is your time now.'”
West Ham became his next port of call, in a decision that would define his career.
West Ham legend
As he came through the youth teams, those in the know tipped Rice to become a Hammers legend in the vain of Bobby Moore.
He made his senior debut aged 18 against Burnley as a 91st minute substitute on the last day of the 2016-17 season
His full debut came the following campaign in a 3-2 defeat to Southampton.
It was the breakthrough he craved, finishing runner-up in the Hammer of the Year award to Marko Arnautovic.
In 2019, after netting his first goal for the club against Arsenal in a 1-0 win, he was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Rice rose through the ranks of West Ham’s youth teamsCredit: Getty
By 2018 Rice was a first team regular with the HammersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Although it was awarded to Raheem Sterling, Rice was crowned West Ham’s Player of the Year which would have cushioned the blow.
But in the background, a fight for his international future was coming to its head.
Tug of war
Although he was born in Kingston upon Thames, London, Rice was eligible to play for Ireland because his grandparents Margarat and Jack hail from Cork.
He starred for Ireland’s U16 through to U21’s.
The promising youngster was then selected by Martin O’Neill to play friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay and a World Cup qualifier at home to Austria.
He made his senior debut against Turkey in a 1-0 loss, but as his star began to grow he was approached by England to switch allegiances.
Rice was omitted from a squad to play Wales in 2018 by O’Neill, who admitted the player’s head was turned.
He missed out on a further three squads, admitting he was no clearer on his decision who to pick – England or Ireland.
Mick McCarthy made a last-ditch attempt to persuade Rice to stick with the Irish, upselling the idea that he was captain material and he would build a side around him.
Rice was at the centre of a tug of war between Ireland and England over his international footballCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
English-born Rice played three times for Ireland before committing his future to the Three LionsCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
However, in February 2019 Rice pledged his future to England – making his debut in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Czech Republic.
He would later reveal he received death threats online from irate football fans.
Success story
Rice’s epic rise has continued for club and country.
He was an integral part of the Three Lions side that reached the Euro 2020 final, losing out heartbreakingly to Italy on penalties.
Playing all seven games in the tournament, he drew plaudits from pundits and rival fans who lauded him as a Rolls-Royce of a player.
That outpouring of love continued overseas, after his winning goal secured his country’s first win away against Italy since 1961 in a recent Euro 2024 qualifier.
He was the star of the show – with the Italian media giddy over his outstanding game. It was fitting given the opposition caused him his biggest upset in football.
As for his biggest success, that came with the Hammers last campaign.
In what was a fitting end to his career at West Ham, he ended it on a high in Prague some 245 games later.
Rice celebrates scoring against ItalyCredit: Getty
Rice holds aloft the Europa Conference League trophyCredit: Getty
The morning after West Ham’s triumph, Rice was spotted in bed with the Europa Conference League trophy
A last-gasp victory against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final cemented his legendary status in Hammers folklore.
After his stellar performance, no one could begrudge Rice for sleeping with the trophy that night.
Family man
Off the pitch, Rice is supported by his longterm girlfriend Lauren Fryer, 24.
The pair met at school, before they began dating at the tender age of 17.
Last year they became proud parents to son Jude, keeping Lauren’s pregnancy secret to avoid public scrutiny.
It only became public knowledge when Rice was spotted with a new tattoo on his arm bearing his son’s name alongside a star sign for a Leo.
The couple’s preference is to keep their profile private.
Read More on The Sun
However, they did share a snap with singer Liam Gallagher together.
For Rice’s next trick, he will hope to topple the ex-Oasis star’s beloved Man City in the Premier League title race.
Lauren Fryer is Rice’s supportive partnerCredit: Instagram @laurenfryer_
Rice and Lauren prefer to keep a low profile but once hung out with Liam Gallagher More

HE is one of the game’s biggest and wealthiest superstars, who loves the finer things in life.Brazilian superstar Neymar transcends football, mingles with the fashion set and is his country’s biggest celebrity.
Neymar has long been a watch connoisseur
His stunning Richard Mille 68-01 Cyril Kongo is worth £1.5m
Limited to only 30 in the world, they have all been individually hand painted by renowned artist Cyril Phan
His football career has seen him earn riches beyond anyone’s wild imaginations – and he is believed to have made a £160million fortune.
He has spent that cash on an incredible car collection, while he also lives in a stunning £2.5million Brazilian mansion.
The fashionable footballer is also a connoisseur of expensive watches, from Rolex to Richard Mille.
Here’s how he decorates his wrist.
Read more Neymar news
Richard Mille 68-01 Cyril Kongo, £1.5million
With only 30 made in the world, this Richard Mille is as much a collector’s item as it is priceless.
Hand painted by graffiti artist Cyril Phan, who went under the alias ‘Kongo’, each watch has been carefully sprayed.
Phan had to use a special airbrush to craft the unique detail slowly on the face and hands, not to jeopardise the calibre’s equilibrium.
Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Batman’, £16,250
Neymar has, for a long time, had an obsession with DC Comics hero Batman.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
So, of course he would be drawn to Rolex’s tribute to the caped crusader.
It’s Neymar’s go-to watch when he’s doing press conferences.
Neymar flashes his Rolex Batman in a press conferenceCredit: .
The most modest of Neymar’s watches, it retails for around £16,250
Rolex Daytona ‘Eye of the Tiger’, £400,000
The Eye of the Tiger is a favourite among sports stars.
Man City ace Erling Haaland has been sporting one on his wrist, while boxing legend Floyd Mayweather – a fine purveyor of all things wealthy – boasts one.
Neymar showed his off when he dressed up as The Joker for Halloween.
Neymar matched his Joker Halloween outfit with a stunning Rolex
The Daytona ‘Eye of the Tiger’ timepiece costs a staggering £400,000
Richard Mille 052 Tourbillon Skull, £1.6million
The second Richard Mille in Neymar’s collection is his most expensive.
Costing a mega £1.6million, it’s certainly the most edgy with a skull design dominating the face.
Made in 2012, this titanium piece was limited to just 21 pieces.
Neymar’s other Richard Mille could have set him back as much as £1.6m
Richard Mille 052 Tourbillon Skull is an edgier watch
Rolex Daytona 116505BK, £100,000
This classy Daytona is made with 18kt rose gold.
It officially debuted at the French Open in 2010, and has become a gentleman’s watch.
The dial is a fetching black and gold, and it also features an Oysterlock bracelet with Easylink.
Neymar is a big fan of Rolex watches
The 116505BK would have cost him £100k
Rolex Daytona ‘John Mayer Dial’, £34,000
Incredibly rare, the ‘John Mayer Dial’ Rolex will only rise in value because it was discontinued.
Worth noting, it was never marketed as the ‘John Mayer Dial’.
That nickname only began when the American singer showed off his Rolex Daytona with the green face during an interview, adding his opinion that it was great value at £34,000.
The Rolex ‘John Mayer dial’ is one of the most sought-after watches
The ‘John Mayer Dial’ has since been discontinued making it a collector’s item
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, £53,000
When Neymar made his big baby reveal with girlfriend Bruna Biancardi back in April, he did flashing a very classy Audemars Piguet watch.
Read More on The Sun
This Royal Oak comes in 18kt yellow gold and features a stunning ‘Tapisserie Dial’.
The octagonal bezel with its eight hexagonal screws have become the collection’s trademark.
Neymar chose a very special watch to reveal he was expecting with girlfriend Bruna Biancardi
This special gentleman’s Audemars Piguet would have cost over £50k More