Online Reporter
DELIGHTED Declan Rice jumped into the jubilant Arsenal fans — before dancing in the “chaotic” dressing room celebrations.
And Arsenal booking their place in the Champions League final for the first time since 2006 sparked boozy partying in the streets, too.
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game to settle the semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates.
After a 1-1 draw in Spain last week, the winger reacted fastest to turn in the rebound from Leandro Trossard’s shot.
And when the full-time whistle blew — moments after tensions boiled over on the touchline — the Emirates erupted.
The players and coaching staff enjoyed a lap of honour, soaking up the incredible atmosphere and relentless singing.
Rice, who was phenomenal throughout the game, then showed his appreciation for the Arsenal supporters.
The midfielder jumped over the advertising hoardings and ran towards the front row of the stand, yelling and hugging the fans.
They responded by clutching the £105million signing and slapping him on the back in a brilliant moment.
Rice, 27, then told Prime Video that the scenes were even more wild behind closed doors.
Asked about the dressing room, he said: “It is chaos.
“I don’t think you can underestimate what we have done in this competition up to this point.
“I think we have every right to celebrate that moment. The most prestigious competition in club football. We are just trying to soak it all in.
“We knew coming into the game what was at stake.
“If you can’t get up for that, then you can’t get up for any game of football.
“When we went 1-0 up, I knew we were going to win. I could feel something special building.”
Man-of-the-match Rice then gave a wry smirk when pundit Daniel Sturridge asked if he had been dancing in the changing room.
The laughing No41 added: “Yeah, you’re right, it was going off.”
Arsenal fans called out Rice’s “half price” chant throughout his interview.
And thousands congregated outside the Emirates to ensure a memorable night lasted a little while longer.
After leaving the ground, the singing continued on the streets of N5.
Plenty of pubs were rammed with supporters toasting the sweet victory while flares were set off, horns blared and the Gooners went through the repertoire of chants.
Many of them will be making the journey to Budapest at the end of the month to watch their beloved side take on PSG or Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. — Sun
Mathew Masinge