Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has explained his decision to quit social media platform X, citing the negative impact of online abuse on his mental health. The England international, a key figure in Mikel Arteta's league-leading side, said the move was necessary to protect his wellbeing. The team he anchors currently sits first in the Premier League with 27 points from nine wins and one loss, a position they will defend in their next fixture away to 12th-placed Newcastle on Saturday 21 November.

Rice, who joined Arsenal three years ago for a club-record fee, revealed he has not used the app since stepping away. "I've not been back on the app since," Rice said. "You could be having a great morning. You read one thing, and it just ruins your whole day." He maintains an Instagram account but has significantly reduced his overall screen time, describing social media as "100 per cent a problem" for younger users.

The 27-year-old's decision was prompted by direct targeting from online trolls, which he said began to dictate his daily mood. The abuse also extended to his long-term partner, Lauren Fryer, who deleted all her previous Instagram posts last year. Rice stated his primary motivation was to safeguard his mental state, allowing him to focus fully on his football and family life with Fryer and their son, Jude.

He recently discussed his views on fame and finance in an interview for GQ Magazine, where he was named among its Men of the Year.

Focus on the pitch

Away from personal challenges, Rice's performances have been central to Arsenal's outstanding start to the Premier League season. Their recent form reads four wins and one draw from the last five matches, a run that includes victories over Liverpool and Slavia Praha, and a 1-0 win over Hull City last Saturday where Martin Odegaard scored the winner. The team now prepares for its next fixture, an away match against Newcastle United on 21 November.

Rice is also close to finalising a new long-term contract with Arsenal, understood to be worth around £350,000 per week. His commitment on and off the pitch shows his importance to a club aiming to maintain its position at the summit of English football.

More detail at Daily Mirror Football