Rice rallies 200,000 Arsenal fans to Budapest as Gunners reach first Champions League final in 20 years

Rice reflected on the win over Atletico and said the night was the best European occasion he has been involved in at Arsenal. He hailed the club's support for lifting the side to a historic win.

“I can't describe it to be honest with you,” he said.

“It's been coming, this night at the Emirates in general, I think it's the best night at the Emirates that I've witnessed, even better than the Real Madrid game last year.

“From the moment we drove in today, the coaches stopped and we thought, what's going on? Because usually we just drive straight in, and the next thing we just see all the flares and the fans and the goosebumps from all the players looking out the window, it was just incredible.

“I've not seen the Emirates like that, so a big thank you to the fans because we needed that. And when we came in as well, you could feel the energy from everyone. Even if you're tired, it just gives you that energy to keep going, and I think they played a massive part tonight in making us win.

“This era of Arsenal fans, I know people who have been there from the start have had a lot of ups and downs, but I'm sure this is really up there for them. So, I'm happy we've done it for the club and for this set of players and our manager because everyone deserves it, so, so happy.”