Declan Rice has admitted he was shocked by something he saw Arsenal players do when he first arrived – but now does it himself.
The England international has just finished his debut campaign at the Emirates Stadium, and while it finished without silverware – aside from the FA Community Shield – the Arsenal No.41 was simply outstanding.
Arsenal’s 2023/24 awards evening is yet to take place, although the Londoner has already been selected as BBC Sport’s Gunner of the Season following a fan vote – which says it all.
Now, Declan Rice has revealed the secret behind his energetic displays at Arsenal…
Declan Rice shares secret behind dynamic performances at Arsenal
The £105m man has now shared what enables him to charge around the Emirates Stadium on matchdays without ever seeming to tire – and it’s not what you would expect.
Speaking to Men’s Health, Rice said: “Pancakes. I have four pancakes before a game. Covered in syrup or honey. I swear to God, it’s the best thing – it has changed this season. You don’t believe me, do you?
“They’re just normal pancakes. When I joined the club, I could see the players eating them and thought to myself, “What is going on here?
“But honestly, it’s been a game changer. I don’t understand the science behind it, what’s in them or anything like that, but it gives me such a high energy boost. I think that’s why I’m able to rattle around the pitch so much… It’s actually getting out of hand. If we’re playing at 5.30pm, I’ll sometimes have eight pancakes in a day. I’ll have some at breakfast and I’ll have some more at 3.30pm before we play.”
The magical pancakes helped to ensure Rice did not miss a single Premier League game for Arsenal last season – completing 90 minutes on all but seven occasions.
Gunners will only get better
Of course, some Arsenal fans may not care about pancakes after narrowly missing out on a second successive Premier League title, although there are so many positive signs.
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Above all, the spine of the team, such as Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Kai Havertz are all 26 or younger.
Therefore, with the experience and knowhow of a Premier League title race under their respective belts – and plenty of time remaining in regards to their physical peaks – this is just the start for Arteta’s ever improving Gunners.