“Don’t judge me yet” Declan Rice begs Arsenal fans over huge price tag

Declan Rice, an Arsenal midfielder, has advised fans not to be concerned about his high fee.

The England international maintains he is not bothered by the fact that he is the most expensive footballer in the country.

The Gunners paid £105 million (with add-ons) for the former West Ham United captain this summer, surpassing Jack Grealish’s £100 million deal to Manchester City.

Chelsea, on the other hand, holds the record for the most expensive signing made by a Premier League club, having paid £106.8 million for World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.

The English midfielder told ESPN, “I think five years ago I’d be dreaming about where I am now. I don’t actually think about it. It is crazy to think, ‘Yeah OK, I’ve been sold for £100m,’ but I haven’t thought about it once.

“That’s a price tag that is now attached to me. I just try to play football and enjoy myself. I don’t try to put any added pressure on me.

“Me being myself is what’s got me here. That isn’t going to change now I’m at Arsenal. I’m still going to do things that I’ve done that have got me to Arsenal.

“In the end, judge me on the price tag then, don’t judge me after two or three weeks. Hopefully, in the end, that’s why I’ve come to Arsenal because I want to be a success and I want this club to be a success.”