This is only the start for us: Declan Rice insists Arsenal's 'cruel' UCL final loss to PSG won't define their rise | OneFootball

Declan Rice has said Arsenal's 'cruel' Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain will not 'define' them and has backed the Gunners to return to the decider.

Arsenal's hopes of a first-ever Champions League crown and historic double ended in Budapest, following a penalty shootout defeat to PSG.

A tight final had ended 1-1 after extra time, after Ousmane Dembele's penalty cancelled out Kai Havertz's early opener for Arsenal.

In the shootout, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Maghalaes both missed for the North Londoners, as holders Paris Saint-Germain claimed a second straightChampions League title.

The French side have became only the second team to defend the trophy in the Champions League era.

Rice reflected on a painful night for Arsenal, who ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title earlier this month.

The midfielder admitted European success 'wasn't to be' but backed Arsenal to come again under the management ofMikel Arteta.

Speaking toTNT Sports, Rice said: "The emotions and the stakes are so high. It's cruel. He [Arteta] spoke about how much he loves us as a group. How we've given 100 per cent every single game with everything that's been thrown at us.

"This is only the start for us. We got over the line in the Premier League, this would've been one step further but it wasn't to be. We keep building. Since I came to the club it was a quarter-final exit, then semi-final and now final. We keep going and keep staying positive. This isn't going to define us."

Rice backs Arsenal to 'keep pushing' after Champions League final loss

Arsenal felt the club could have had a penalty in extra time, when Noni Madueke went down under a challenge from Nuno Mendes. Rice did not want to dwell on the incident but admitted he had seen similar challenges punished this season.

"I've not seen it back yet, but at the time on the pitch I thought Noni was ahead of him," said Rice.

"Looking back at the one we got against Bayer Leverkusen, it was very similar.

"I'm not going get into it now. At the time I was devastated. Against PSG, you have to be mentally on it. I thought as the game went on we grew into it and created a number of chances.

"PSG have lost loads over the years and now they are having their time. I think that's going to keep happening with us. We are having our small losses but we are going to go on and keep pushing."