Jamie Carragher faces backlash over unnecessary comment about Arsenal star

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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has come under fire from Arsenal fans following remarks suggesting Declan Rice may begin to question his future at the Emirates if the club end next season without silverware.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher stated that while Rice remains committed to Arsenal for now, another trophyless campaign could prompt the £105 million midfielder to reevaluate his ambitions. He praised Rice’s performances this season, calling him “Arsenal’s best player,” but warned that frustration could build if the team continues to fall short.

“I don’t think right now,” Carragher said, when asked whether Rice could become unsettled. “I think maybe for other players who’ve been there a bit longer. But in terms of Declan, I think he’s been Arsenal’s best player this season. I think those doubts maybe kick in in another 12 months.”

He added: “It might be different for someone like Saliba, who’s been there longer and is desperate to win silverware. They all feel they’re close, and they are very close, but we all know the final step is the biggest one.”

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Carragher’s comments came after Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, extending Rice’s wait for a trophy since joining the club last summer. The former West Ham captain has been a standout performer, contributing more goals than in any previous season, and is seen as a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s project.

When he joined the Gunners, Rice made clear that his move was motivated by a desire to win major honours. “This year, with all the competitions we are going into, there is one aim and that is to win—not just to take part,” he said in his unveiling.

Arsenal fans swiftly took to social media to defend Rice and criticise Carragher for what they saw as unnecessary negativity and double standards. Several pointed out the pundit’s own recent comments about respecting Liverpool fans’ emotions over the potential departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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One X user wrote: “Is this the same Carragher who said, ‘I’m sick of people telling Liverpool fans how they should feel’? Yet here he is assuming how Arsenal players feel.” Another reposted: “This is the football analysis I pay for? I’m getting robbed.”

This is the football analysis I pay for? I’m getting robbed. https://t.co/DvmP3ZtIDT

— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) May 11, 2025

Another fan added: “Running a negative narrative because you want a team to fail is not only disingenuous punditry but unprofessional. A shame really.”

One more wrote bluntly: “Jamie Clueless Carragher at it again.”

With Arsenal likely to invest significantly again this summer—especially in pursuit of a striker—the Gunners remain focused on closing the gap and ending their 21-year wait for a Premier League title.

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