Declan Rice reveals David Beckham DM after free kick goals to down Real Madrid 

It’s been quite a 12 months for Declan Rice. He and Arsenal are currently leading the Premier League, they finished at the top of the table in the Champions League league phase, but it all started in March of last year with two stunners against Real Madrid in the UCL quarters.

Beckham “a god” says Rice

It was the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Arsenal drew the 15 time European Champions and hosted the opening leg at the Emirates. Rice started the tie off with a bang, scoring two second half free kick goals to set North London ablaze and set the tone for an eliminatory that the Gunners would win with relative ease.

One direct message on Instagram stood out among the many messages of love and congratulations following the Champions League brace and win at the Emirates, says Rice. “He [David Beckham] messaged me on Instagram about it.

That was crazy, because he had some of the biggest moments ever with free-kicks,” said Rice talking to The Sun in an exclusive interview.

David Beckham, who not only played for Real Madrid, but Manchester United made a legacy with his unforgettable free kicks and set pieces, and his aura is apparently as strong as ever according to Rice, “I remember the first time I met Beckham was in Qatar. We all approached him. Every player was like, he was a god, you know, because it’s Becks.”

Kings of the set piece

Rice has yet to score from a free kick this year, but showed Los Blancos how impactful he can be when he has a chance off the dead ball around the area. “When I put the ball down [for a set piece], it’s just all about feel. It’s knowing where you’re going to put the ball, how much pace you’re going to put on it.”

While Rice hasn’t hit the target from a free kick this campaign, Arsenal have proven that the set piece rehearsals on the training ground have been well worth the time. They have scored the most goals in the Premier League from dead ball situations, and that is a big reason why they currently sit at the top of the table in England. “I know it can cause chaos, but it’s one of our strengths. Let’s keep it going because it’s been really good for us this year,” said Rice.

After their win over Tottenham last weekend, the Gunners are currently five points clear of Manchester City, although Arsenal are one of just two clubs with 28 matches played while the rest of the league have played one less. This Sunday’s London derby against Chelsea at the Emirates could play an important role in who ends the season at the top of the table as Arsenal set out to keep their cushion over City.

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