Manchester City: Declan Rice Receives a Four-Word Message from Jack Grealish Subsequent to His Masterclass in the Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal Match

The football world was left in awe on Wednesday night as Arsenal pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, securing their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Following their commanding 3-0 win in the first leg at the Emirates, the Gunners proved their mettle in Spain, overcoming the odds in one of the toughest stadiums in world football.

At the heart of Arsenal’s triumph was none other than Declan Rice. The England international once again delivered a masterclass in midfield — showcasing control, composure, and commanding presence that left even the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić chasing shadows. Rice, who was already pivotal in the first leg with two brilliant free-kick goals, rose to the occasion once more in Madrid.

Among those to publicly recognize Rice’s brilliance was his fellow England teammate and Manchester City star, Jack Grealish. The City winger, who lifted the Champions League trophy with Pep Guardiola’s side in 2023, took to Instagram shortly after Arsenal’s win to shower praise on Rice. He shared a picture of the Arsenal midfielder on his story, adding a clapping emoji and the succinct, heartfelt caption: “What a player man.”

Those four words from Grealish encapsulate the sentiment of many who witnessed Rice’s performance. It wasn’t just a good game — it was a coming-of-age night on the biggest club football stage of all. For Arsenal, it was a validation of their summer investment. For England fans, it was a glimpse of what Rice could do in the Euros.

Grealish, who has struggled with injuries and limited playing time this season, remains a close follower of his national teammates. Though he’s currently on the fringes at Manchester City, the 29-year-old was visibly elated to see Rice shine. It reflects the tight bond within the England squad, where success for one feels like success for all.

But the night wasn’t just about individual brilliance. Arsenal as a team executed Mikel Arteta’s game plan to perfection. The manager’s evolution since joining Arsenal has been remarkable — and ironically, much of that growth can be credited to the man who coached him at Manchester City: Pep Guardiola.

Arteta, who worked as Guardiola’s assistant from 2016 to 2019, has often spoken about the impact his mentor had on him. In fact, in the aftermath of the victory against Real Madrid, Arteta revealed that he reached out to Guardiola earlier in the day to express his gratitude.

“I contacted him this morning because I am here as a result of his assistance,” Arteta said, according to Spanish outlet Marca. “He is a source of inspiration to me as both a player and a coach.”

That relationship between Guardiola and Arteta is one of mutual respect, and it’s clear that Arteta has taken Guardiola’s tactical foundations and added his own identity at Arsenal. The result is a team that is fearless, fluid, and ready to challenge the best clubs in Europe.

Back to Rice, the midfielder’s display has now ignited conversations about his standing among Europe’s elite. Signed for £105 million from West Ham, there were early doubts about whether he could handle the step up. But now, his performances are silencing critics and earning admiration from peers like Grealish.

Grealish’s recognition is not only a compliment, but also an insight into the mindset of elite players — respect is earned, not given. And Rice has earned it in abundance.

It’s also worth noting that this show of admiration comes amid swirling transfer rumors around Grealish himself. With Manchester City reportedly open to offers for the winger this summer, Grealish could soon be entering a new chapter. However, his connection with his England teammates remains unshaken.

Meanwhile, Rice’s rise has come at a perfect time for Arsenal. As they gear up for a possible Champions League final, his dominance in midfield will be crucial. Against Real Madrid, he wasn’t just good — he was unplayable. A blend of defensive solidity and attacking initiation, he set the tempo from the first whistle.

Fans on social media praised Rice relentlessly. Many compared his performance to prime Patrick Vieira, while others called him the best English midfielder since Steven Gerrard. Whether those comparisons are fair or premature remains to be seen, but Rice is certainly writing his own story now.

As Arsenal prepare for the semi-finals, the spotlight will remain on Rice. But for now, his performance at the Bernabéu, his command of the midfield, and the recognition from Jack Grealish will live long in the memory of Gooners and neutrals alike.

With such praise coming from both the media and fellow professionals, it’s clear that Declan Rice is no longer just a promising talent — he is now one of the most feared midfielders in Europe. And if Arsenal do go on to win the Champions League, this night in Madrid will be remembered as the moment it all truly clicked.