by Layth Yousif

WAYNE ROONEY has hailed new Arsenal signing Declan Rice ahead of the MLS All Stars clash with the Gunners here in the American capital.  

Former Manchester United striker Rooney, now head coach of Washington side DC United, was speaking prior to the high-profile exhibition friendly against the North Londoners at Buzzard Point in the early hours of this morning UK time.

In the star-studded clash, Rooney will manage a collection of talents from across the American nation as MLS All Star coach, selected by himself, supporters, and MLS commissioner Don Garber as he aims to find a winning formula against the Gunners to help further boost the world’s most popular game Stateside.

Speaking in the palatial Washington Hotel in the shadow of the White House before the eagerly awaited fixture, Rooney praised the move.

Mikel Arteta signed Rice, the highly rated 24-year-old former West Ham captain for a record transfer fee for an English player. The deal was finally closed prior to Arsenal heading across the Atlantic for their pre-season tour of America with a 29-man squad, which also included Chelsea arrival Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber from Ajax Amsterdam.

Rooney, the 37-year-old former England attacker said: “Rice has a great mentality and is a young player at the top of his game.

“He could be captain of Arsenal right now. I think he’ll be a great player.”

There was plenty of mutual respect at the press conference which also featured a hug between Rooney and Arteta with the MLS All Star coach commending the Gunners boss, saying: “He’s done an incredible job as a young coach. Winning the FA Cup in his first season and pushing Manchester City all the way last season,” before adding: “I’m very excited about the game [but] I can’t give any tips on beating Arsenal because I haven’t yet [done so].”

Rooney also added that World Cup winner Lionel Messi’s arrival at David Beckham’s MLS franchise, Inter Miami was a “game-changer” — while MLS commissioner Garber also underlined the growth in the beautiful game by highlighting the fact that pre-match events have been hosted at the White House and Washington Mall this week, adding: “I’m not sure that would have happened even five years ago.”

Despite seamy temperatures over 90°F along with extreme humidity levels, there has been genuine excitement in DC about the game. A number of fan-friendly events have been scheduled with a large number of American Gooners looking forward to the match.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard echoed the sentiments saying: “We had lots of love from American fans last season and we’re looking forward to connecting again,” while striker Eddie Nketiah added: “We love being here.”

Such is the excitement at the long-sold out match, tickets are being sold on secondary markets by “scalpers” for more than $300.

Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe will join the tour next week, ruling them out of this friendly, while Nicolas Pepe, Cedric Soares, and Albert Sambi Lokonga have all been left at home.

Live coverage of the game can only be seen with an MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.