Declan Rice revealed that his beautiful free kick against Real Madrid was not part of the plan-nadat he was Arsenal's set piece guru.
Rice curled a blast past Thibaut Courtois before he matched it a little later with an equally sensational corner of the corner.
Initially, fans online gave the honor to set -piece coach Nicolas Jover – who played a major role this season in the success of Arsenal from Corners.
But Rice revealed that it was actually words of wisdom of teammate Bukayo Saka who inspired the first of his two stungels.
The midfielder received instructions to deliver the ball in the box, but thought better.
He said that he “tarted”, Rice said, “Yes, I know! Bukayo said, the real words were,” If you feel it, go for it. “
“I looked at the wall and looked at the keeper and thought I could bend him and that is what happened.”
It turned out that Jover was not the only one who told him not to shoot – even ignoring his captain.
Rice said, “I don't know if it will ever sink.” I had both (free kicks) and to have the confidence, I am a bit speechless.
“Martin [Odegaard] I said to cross, I said it is not logical to chip it that way.
Casino Special – Best Casino Bonuses of £ 10 deposits
“We practice them all the time, Jover tells me that I have to cross and it didn't make sense.”
Rice and Mikel Merino help Arsenal lead an impressive 3-0 to Madrid in the quarterfinals return on Wednesday.
Before the game, Rice had only taken 12 free kicks as a professional without scoring – but two came in one game.
Manager Mikel Arteta said: “Declan is very determined because we have said in recent months that we have not scored no direct free kick in three and a half years.
“So, to score two goals in 12 minutes of that size and that quality of the same player, a player who has never scored a free kick in his career, what are the chances?
“This night was all about two factors; one is the atmosphere that we kicked off 15 minutes before the kick -off with something I have never seen before.
“And then the magic, the individual moments that determine all competitions. And the first two goals of Declan summarize the night.”
Comments