Declan Rice reveals ‘game-changing’ diet before Arsenal games

DECLAN RICE has established himself as one of the Premier League's signings of the season - and his diet has played a big part.

The 25-year-old became Arsenal's most expensive player when he completed a £105million switch from West Ham last summer.

And now he is targeting European glory with England.

Rice has been named in Gareth Southgate's 33-man provisional England squad ahead of Euro 2024 and he is almost guaranteed to be making the trip to Germany next month.

The midfielder has already played over 4,200 minutes of football this season, but his "game-changing" diet has enabled him to perform at his best throughout.

In an interview with Men's Health UK, Rice revealed he is usually fuelled by a stack of pancakes on match day.

He said: "I have four pancakes before a game. Covered in syrup or honey.

"I swear to God, it’s the best thing… When I joined the club, I could see the [Arsenal] 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...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."

Rice played a crucial role in Arsenal's Premier League title charge this season.

The Gunners finished second in the table, two points adrift of Manchester City after taking the race to the final day.