Declan Rice responds to Ballon d'Or rumours with multiple Arsenal trophy demand | OneFootball

The midfielder is among the favourites for the biggest individual prize in the sport

Eyes on prize: Declan Rice

Action Images via Reuters

Declan Rice knows he will need to win trophies with Arsenal this season to have any hope of claiming the Ballon d’Or.

The midfielder would become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001, though England captain Harry Kane will provide stern competition.

Rice will be key to any success Arsenal enjoy this season, and the club are currently rated as favourites for every competition, including the Champions League.

The 27-year-old is expected to also play a key role for England this summer at the World Cup, which would boost his Ballon d’Or chances.

But when asked about the prize, he played down his chances.

“That is far, far away,” he told the i Paper.

“There’s still so long to go in the season, need to win a few trophies, need to keep playing well.

“I don’t get caught up in it, just try to live in the moment. Keep playing football and see what happens.”

He added: “In your career, I don’t think you ever know what you’re going to go on to achieve.

“As the seasons evolve and you’re playing week in, week out, and the game gets better and better, there can end up being no limits to what you can achieve.”

Arsenal will look to take another step towards winning the Champions League this week with victory over Bayer Leverkusen in their last-16 first-leg clash.