Declan Rice explains emotional reason behind decision not to celebrate goal against Ireland
The Arsenal star was given a hostile reception in Dublin for England’s Nations League clash having switched allegiances in 2019 after making three appearances for Ireland.
When he fired England ahead on 12 minutes the boos got even louder but Rice didn’t rise to the Irish anger as he held both hands up almost in apology while his Three Lions teammates congratulated him.
England’s second goal, in their 2-0 win, was scored by Jack Grealish, who represented Ireland at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-21 level, and assisted by Rice.
Rice then explained that he decided not to celebrate out of respect for his Irish heritage as well as out of respect to anyone who helped him when he was involved in the Ireland set-up.
He told talkSPORT: “You could see it we thrived off that type of atmosphere. We faced similar in Scotland last September and these are the matches you want to play in.
“Obviously they were going to give a hostile reception to me and Jack but you know we take it on the chin. Obviously we we made our decisions, what, seven years ago?
“Now it is really irrelevant and now it is time that we just put it to bed because I’ve been playing for England now for five years, and obviously Jack as well.
“So we’ve got nothing bad to say. We have Irish family, my nan and granddad… that’s why I didn’t celebrate. I think it would have been disrespectful to them and obviously what I did when I was playing for Ireland.
“It was a good day all around to be honest with you. Hostile environment but just had to take it in my stride and play and a big goal it felt for Jack as well bearing in mind what happened to him in the summer.”
But talkSPORT’s Jason Cundy feels Rice shouldn’t have been so reserved after his goal.
Cundy said on GameDay Phone-In: “You’ve got to celebrate your goal, Declan. You’ve got to celebrate your goal.
“You’ve been booed the whole time in that first half, you managed to score, celebrate! Rub their noses in it.
“Do exactly what Grealish did, enjoy playing for England, enjoy scoring for England.
“Apologising, I know you sometimes do it against your former club, but come on.
“You only get one country, I know Rice played three games for Ireland, you only ever play for one country at a major tournament.
