Declan Rice has promised Arsenal supporters that the club will return stronger next season after missing out on the UEFA Champions League title despite winning the Premier League crown.
Rice made the pledge during Arsenal’s open-top bus parade on Sunday as thousands of supporters lined the streets of north London to celebrate the club’s first league title in 22 years.
The celebrations came less than 24 hours after Arsenal suffered a penalty shootout heartbreak against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
The Gunners had hoped to complete a historic double after securing the Premier League title, but their bid for a first European crown ended in disappointment.
Arsenal took an early lead through Kai Havertz before PSG levelled through a penalty from Ousmane Dembele. Arsenal later lost the shootout after misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Despite the setback, Rice struck an optimistic tone during the title celebrations.
He said: “I love this team, I love the manager. To see the joy we can give people, it’s crazy.”
Rice added: “But, next year we’re coming back for more. You heard it here first now. Lock in or get locked out.”
The midfielder also joined supporters in the celebrations, taking the microphone on the team bus and singing along to the song *Ice Ice Baby* as fans packed the parade route.
Defender Gabriel reflected on the Champions League final defeat but praised the team’s achievements during the season.
He said on Instagram: “I’m proud of this team and everything we achieved together this season.”
Young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly, who was not born when Arsenal last won the league in 2004, also spoke about the club’s future after the title success.
He said: “First of all, I’m so proud of the boys. I’m proud of the organization in helping us get here because it hasn’t been an easy season. But obviously we’ve come to the end of the season and we’re champions of England.”
Lewis-Skelly admitted the Champions League final defeat remained difficult to accept.
He said: “It’s disappointing because when you’re so close to a dream, a goal, you feel slightly short but as Mikel said, it’s added fuel to the fire, so we’ll use that.”
The teenager added: “I’m going to see my family here as well. It’s going to be emotional, so I’m so excited. The last two weeks have been incredible. Just sharing those moments with the team, the people that you love dearly, that you go to war with. It’s amazing.”
Looking ahead, Lewis-Skelly expressed confidence in the direction of the club under manager Mikel Arteta.
He said: “For me, [the future] is bright. I feel like it’s the start of a new era and I feel like we’re ready to go and achieve our dreams.”
Lewis-Skelly also praised Arteta’s role in his development.
He said: “[Arteta] has been so supportive of me over my whole journey, so I’m just so grateful for him and the trust he’s given to me.
“Thank you, and we’re not done!”
