Transfer: Don’t judge me yet – Declan Rice begs Arsenal fans over huge price tag

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has urged fans not to worry about his exorbitant price tag. 

The England international insists that he does not feel the pressure of being Britain’s most expensive footballer.

The Gunners signed the former West Ham United skipper this summer for a whopping £105 million (including add-ons), surpassing Jack Grealish’s £100 million move to Manchester City.

However, the record for the most expensive signing made by a Premier League club is held by Chelsea after they 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.”