Declan Rice has revealed the bizarre nickname given to him by his Arsenal team-mates.
The England star is enjoying a strong campaign on an individual level, continuing to be a regular starter for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta in the Premier League and Champions League.
Rice has made 33 appearances in all competitions this term, appearing in 22 clashes for Arsenal in the Premier League this season.
Despite a busy calendar for the Gunners with matches coming thick and fast, the 26-year-old remains one of the most reliable players regarding injuries, with just three games missed due to a broken toe in November.
Furthermore, in an interview with Sky Sports, Rice revealed that his Arsenal team-mates praised the player for his physical condition, as he is known in the squad as ‘The Horse’.
He said: ‘It was (Oleksandr Zinchenko who started it and then Jorginho went with it. I think that everyone now just calls me “The Horse”.
England star Declan Rice has revealed bizarre nickname given to him by Arsenal team-mates
The 26-year-old player is known in the Gunners’ squad as ‘The Horse’ due to his physical abilities on the field
‘I think it’s because they think I can run all day, that I’m athletic, my ability to go again, my sustainability and availability to the team.
‘Even two days since the last game, I’m running around in training and they’re thinking I’m a mad man. I don’t mind the nickname but I just have to keep it going.’
Although Rice has already played over 2,500 minutes this season, he is still outperformed by several key players in that area, such as goalkeeper David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber.
The interview comes after his strong period over the last few weeks, with the Englishman scoring his first Champions League goal against Dinamo Zagreb in January.
Despite a recent aggregate 4-0 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, the 26-year-old star showed a stunning performance in the 5-1 masterclass over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, with two assists and the most chances created during the game.
However, his side still sit in second place in the Premier League table, behind runaway leaders Liverpool by six points.
Constant injuries of key players have damaged the team’s performances. The Gunners have eight draws and two defeats to their names in the league so far.
They are currently missing Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Martinelli, with the latter reported to be set to miss more than a month after suffering a hamstring injury against the Magpies last week.
The England international has revealed that it was Oleksandr Zinchenko (right) who started calling him by his new animal-themed nickname
Rice is one of the most-played footballers in Mikel Arteta’s squad, with over 2,500 minutes on the pitch this season
The Gunners suffered another injury blow after it was confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli will miss more than a month due to a hamstring injury
However, it is understood that Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is set to return to action in March
However, Mail Sport reported on Monday that Saka has returned to light training and is set to help Arsenal in some crucial games in March.
Furthermore, right back Ben White will likely be available this weekend following his three-month absence due to knee surgery.
The Gunners, though did not secure a highly-anticipated new forward in January despite Jesus’ ACL injury, which will keep him out for the rest of the season.
On Saturday, Arsenal will head north for an away trip to the King Power Stadium for a Premier League game against Leicester City.
