Arsenal star welcomes Noni Madueke amid fan abuse

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has warm words to welcome new signing Noni Madueke in a video shared on the Gunners’ social media pages. 

As Pulse Sports reported, Arsenal have signed Madueke from Chelsea for a fee in the region of £50 million. 

The signing was to the chagrin of Chelsea fans and head coach Enzo Maresca, who expressed his disapproval of the move. Madueke was subjected to abuse by members of the Chelsea fanbase who saw the transfer as a betrayal, and some Arsenal fans who hoped for a more exciting signing. 

However, he has since been enveloped in love from a larger section of the Arsenal fanbase and football legends like Rio Ferdinand. 

Rice and Bukayo Saka were said to have been involved in convincing the former PSV star to join Arsenal, leveraging the relationship they have formed in the England national team camp. 

The winger's first day as an Arsenal player was captured on camera, and it includes a letter sent by Rice. The former Chelsea star read it out loud as follows:

“Welcome to the Arsenal family. Noni, my brother. I’m buzzing for you to join the club,” Rice said, as Madueke read. “We’ve got an unbelievable group, and everyone is looking forward to playing with you. 

“We are going to enjoy special moments together and bring success to this club, which everyone wants, and you are going to be a massive part of that.

“Knowing you as a person and as a player, your arrival is going to be a big statement, and I know you’re going to be incredible for us. 

“You have so many qualities already and so much capacity to keep growing with us. Looking forward to seeing you in person, and if you need anything, shout me. Big love, bro. Dec.”