Labour party leader Sir Keir Starmer jokingly revealed how he tricked Declan Rice to signing for Arsenal when he was still at West Ham.
Arsenal emerged victorious in the battle against Manchester City to secure the services of the talented England midfielder, sealing the deal for a reported fee of around £105 million ($137 million).
Rice’s transfer marked a significant milestone for Arsenal, making him the club’s most expensive signing of all time, following his nine-year tenure at West Ham.
And now, Starmer has claimed that apart from Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta, he also played a crucial role with his son at the London Stadium.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Starmer said: “So, when we played away at West Ham last year and Declan was still a West Ham player I took my son.
“Mark Noble, Mr West Ham [now the club’s sporting director], took us down to meet Declan.
“And so my boy had his programme open ready for signing and obviously we put the contract [for Arsenal] in underneath!
“Declan signed it and thought he was signing the programme, but actually he was signing for Arsenal!”
The English Crown
With Arsenal setting their sights on clinching their first Premier League title in two decades, they face stiff competition from City.
Currently leading by a narrow margin, the Gunners are aware of the challenges posed by their rivals, who have a game in hand that could potentially tilt the scales in their favour.
But despite being a staunch Arsenal fan, Keir Starmer is still not convinced that the Gunners can reclaim the English crown.
“It depends on City,” Starmer admitted.
“It’s the best title race for ages, this year, and I have been going every game home and away.
“City are good though. Look at [Kevin] De Bruyne.
“Look at [Erling] Haaland. These are great players.”
However, Arsenal’s biggest task is looming large as they get ready for vital matches against Bournemouth and Everton.
Their penultimate game, on May 12, is a key matchup against Manchester United.
The result of this match might potentially decide Arsenal’s future in their pursuit of Premier League success, as a loss would virtually guarantee City the title.
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On Saturday, Pep Guardiola will command his team against Wolves.
Matches against Fulham, Tottenham, and West Ham will come next, in that order.
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