After the highs of lifting the Premier League title six days ago at Selhurst Park, Arsenal’s players and fanbase were dealt a devastating blow in the Hungarian capital after centre-back Gabriel skied his penalty to see the Parisiens lift their second successive Champions League crown.
Rice, who played all 120 minutes in the tight affair, appeared philosophical on the podium as he addressed the media, making it clear that this defeat would define the North London outfit, after a season that started 11 months ago and ended in a European final.
Speaking to assorted media after the game, he said: “It’s been a rollercoaster, since it started in July in Singapore.
“Tonight was our 63rd game of the season, and it’s been an incredible journey. Winning the Premier League after 22 years was a dream and getting to this final was a dream come true.
“It wasn’t meant to be. To lose a Champions League final on penalties, with the small margins, really hurts, but that doesn’t define this group.
“We’re obviously gutted; we’re devastated to lose this final, but congratulations to PSG. Over the last couple of years, they have been the best team in Europe.
“PSG have the best attack in the world, and you can’t play the game like others have done, following them around the pitch, because that is what they want. We really nullified them to not many chances tonight, and we really had some chances ourselves.”
Rice, who has been an ever-present with the Gunners since his move in 2024 from West Ham, has tasted European success before, leading the Hammers to Conference League glory in Prague in 2023.
Saturday night would not see him add another winner’s medal to his already strong CV, but he believed more success is right around the corner for Arsenal.
He added: “Ever since I got to this club, we have been going on an upward trajectory. This year, we were in all competitions until March, which is really tough and mentally draining. Since October, it’s been three games a week and that’s why I am so proud of these boys just for how far we’ve come this year."
He continued: “We’re going to use this moment (the loss in the final) to fuel us for the upcoming seasons - speaking to the players and the manager, there is no reason why we are stopping here. Next year, we are going to go even stronger and we’re going to be ready again. It’s exciting times for this football club.”
Rice also spoke in glowing terms about his manager Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has gone a different direction with his tactics this season, and that was on show again in Budapest. Arsenal sacrificed possession for defensive stability, having the ball less that a quarter of the time throughout the contest.
Speaking about Arteta, the 25-year-old said: “He told us (after the game) he loves us all, to keep our heads up and be proud of what we have achieved this season.
“He is someone that has us 100% every single day, he’s someone we look to for guidance, strength and in tough moments this year, he has been there for all of us, and that’s why we were so happy to deliver the Premier League because he deserves it.”
Before returning to club football after the summer, Rice has the small matter of a World Cup with England as they look to end 60 years without a major trophy. He will, again, be a key player for Thomas Tuchel’s side, starting against Croatia on June 17th.