Declan Rice says Arsenal fans created the best Emirates atmosphere he has ever felt

Arsenal booked their place in the Champions League final with a hard-fought victory over Atletico, and Rice made it clear afterward that the energy from the stands had a huge impact on the players. 

For him, it was unforgettable. 

"Honestly, I cannot describe how I feel," Rice told Arsenal media after the match. 

That emotion was easy to understand. This was one of the biggest nights the Emirates has ever hosted, and Rice admitted he had been waiting for a moment like it. Even compared with some of Arsenal's great recent European occasions, including the win over Real Madrid last year, he felt this one stood above the rest. 

"I have been waiting for this, and tonight at the Emirates overall, I think this is the best night at the Emirates that I have ever witnessed, even better than the Real Madrid game last year." 

For Rice, the feeling had started long before kick-off. He described the team's arrival at the stadium as something completely different from the usual routine, with the coach forced to slow as players looked out to see flares, huge crowds , and emotional faces everywhere around them. 

"From the moment we drove in today, the coaches stopped , and we were wondering, 'What is going on?'" 

That surprise quickly turned into awe. 

"Because usually we just drive straight in, then suddenly there were flares, fans , and the expressions on the players' faces as they looked out the window ; it was unbelievable." 

That buildup clearly stayed with the team. Rice said the atmosphere inside the ground only intensified once the players walked out, and he believes it became a genuine source of strength during a draining and tense match. 

"I have never seen the Emirates so lively, so a huge thank you to the fans because we really needed that. And when we walked out onto the pitch, you could feel the energy from everyone." 

That kind of connection mattered physically as well as emotionally. 

"Even if you are tired, it gives you the energy to keep going, and I think it played a massive part in helping us win tonight." 

Those words say a lot about the bond Arteta has built between the team and supporters. On a night when Arsenal needed composure, resilience , and emotional edge, Rice clearly felt the crowd gave them all three . 

And for a player who has already played in some enormous matches, calling this the finest Emirates atmosphere he has ever known says everything about how special the night was.