Declan Rice has revealed the bizarre nickname given to him by his Arsenal team-mates.
The England star is enjoying a strong campaign on an individual level, continuing to be a regular starter for manager Mikel Arteta.
Rice made 33 appearances in all competitions, appearing in 22 clashes for Arsenal in the Premier League this season.
Despite a fierce calendar for the Gunners with many matches in the national league, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao cup – the 26-year-old player remains one of the most reliable players regarding injuries, with just three games missed due to a broken toe in November.
Furthermore, in an interview with Sky Sports, Rice revealed that his Arsenal team-mates praised the player for his physical condition, as he is known in the squad as ‘The Horse’.
He said: ‘It was Zinchenko who started it and then Jorginho went with it. I think that everyone now just calls me “The Horse”.
England star Declan Rice has revealed the bizarre nickname given to him by his Arsenal team-mates
The 26-year-old player is known in the Gunners’ squad as ‘The Horse’ due to his physical abilities
‘I think it’s because they think I can run all day, that I’m athletic, my ability to go again, my sustainability and availability to the team.
‘Even two days since the last game, I’m running around in training and they’re thinking I’m a mad man. I don’t mind the nickname but I just have to keep it going.’
Although Rice has already gained over 2,500 minutes this season, he is still outperformed by several key players, such as goalkeeper David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel, Kai Havertz, Thomas Partey, and Jurrien Timber.
The interview comes after his strong period over the last few weeks, with the Englishman scoring his first Champions League goal against Dinamo Zagreb in January.
Despite a recent aggregate 4-0 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao cup, the 26-year-old star showed a stunning performance in the 5-1 masterclass over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, with two assists and the most chances created during the game.
However, his side is still in second place in the Premier League table, behind confident leaders Liverpool by six points.
Constant injuries of the key squad players have seemed to affect the team’s performance. The Gunners have eight draws and two defeats in the league so far.
They are currently missing Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Martinelli, with the last one reported to miss more than a month after suffering a hamstring injury against the Magpies last week.
Rice is one of the most-played footballers in Mikel Arteta’s squad, with over 2,500 minutes on the pitch this season
The Gunners suffered another injury blow after it was confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli will mis more than a month due to a hamstring injury picked up against Newcastle last week
However, it is understood that Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is set to return to action in March
However, Mail Sport reported on Monday that Saka returned to light training and is set to help Arsenal in some crucial games in March.
Furthermore, right back Ben White will likely be available this weekend following his three-month absence due to knee surgery.
The Gunners did not secure a highly-anticipated new striker move despite Jesus’ ACL injury, which will keep him out for the rest of the season.
On Saturday, Arsenal will go for an away trip to the King Power Stadium for a Premier League game against Leicester City.
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