Mikel Arteta reveals who chose Declan Rice to captain Arsenal in Martin Odegaard absence | OneFootball

Decision highlights how popular the England international is among the Arsenal players

Mikel Arteta revealed the Arsenal players made the decision for Declan Rice to wear the captain's armband against Sporting CP.

The Gunners progressed 1-0 on aggregate after a goalless draw and will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.

With Martin Odegaard out due to a knee injury and Bukayo Saka still on the sidelines with an Achilles issue, Arteta had to once again turn away from his two usual captains.

Gabriel has been the usual candidate to lead the side in their absence but Rice captained the side against Sporting, as he did in the defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Arteta revealed that was not his call but the players indicating their preference for Rice to be handed the armband.

"They made a decision," Arteta said.

"They made a decision because Declan has earned the status and the role.

"The way he's taken ownership in difficult moments. He's a great leader, he's a top player for us and I love that the players take that ownership."

Declan Rice also captained Arsenal against Bournemouth

AFP via Getty Images

Arteta described his side's progression in the Champions League as "a massive boost" ahead of a pivotal Premier League showdown with Manchester City on Sunday.

Victory in that match would move Arsenal nine points clear of their title rivals. Defeat and they could be second in the table by the time they next play.

The Arsenal players once again looked exhausted at full-time and Arteta hailed the physical effort his side produced to get past Sporting.

"When I see them track back when we lose the ball, the habits that they have, it's just amazing," Arteta said.

"That's why I know what they are doing, these players. There is a reason why we are the only English team in the competition, because this league and this schedule takes the hell out of you and it's very difficult to do what we've done.

"We are not perfect, we need to improve things, that's for sure, we recognise that. But there's value in what these players have done because they deserve it."