Declan Rice reveals his new animal-themed nickname, given to him by his Arsenal team-mates… and also names which Olympic event he’d be best suited for

Arsenal star Declan Rice has revealed the nickname given to him by his teammates at the Emirates Stadium.

The England star is entering his second season with the Gunners after an excellent debut campaign following his move from West Ham last summer.

Rice made 51 appearances in all competitions, helping Arsenal finish second in the league, with the Gunners hoping to improve further this season.

Immediately after the Paris Olympics, Arsenal’s stars were asked to name the event in which they would have the best chance of winning a medal at the Los Angeles Games in four years’ time.

Rice replied, “Because the boys call me the horse – running the 5,000 meter final.”

Declan Rice has revealed his Arsenal teammates nicknamed him ‘horse’

Rice also said the 5,000 meter race would be his ideal event for the next Olympics

The 25-year-old elaborated on his answer, adding: ‘I have the stamina, the long legs and the big strides, so I’m going for the 5,000m.

Rice’s impact on the Gunners has been widely praised since his £105million move to the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta described Rice as ‘a lighthouse’ because of his ability to ‘light others and make the team better’.

Arsenal finished just two points behind Manchester City last season and will be hoping to end their two-decade title drought this season.

They have been strengthened by the £42million arrival of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna and hope to sign further players towards the end of the summer.

Rice was not the only Arsenal player asked which Olympic event would suit them best.

Takehiro Tomiyasu said his ideal event would be judo, William Saliba said he would prefer shooting, while Thomas Partey said his best chance of a medal was in the javelin throw.

Newcomer Calafiori’s response would have the Gunners excited, as the Italian indicated he would run the marathon, meaning he would have to bring a lot of energy to the games this season.

Rice (pictured with new team-mate Riccardo Calafiori) will be looking to push the Gunners even further this season after they finished second in the Premier League last season.

Ben White said his “least embarrassing event” would be the 1500m, while Kai Havertz joked that his event would be the breakdancing.

Finally, David Raya said he would compete in the shot put and England star Bukayo Saka said he could compete in the long jump.

Arsenal open the season on Saturday afternoon against Wolves.