Declan Rice of Arsenal has freely admitted that achieving the expectations that come with his £105 million price tag has been his biggest challenge to date. The summer saw the high-profile signing of the English international from West Ham to Arsenal, which also set a new club record cost.

With such a large investment, there were obviously worries about the possible return, especially in light of Nicolas Pepe’s disappointing prior record signing. But Rice has shown himself to be worth every penny by demonstrating his leadership skills and brilliance both on and off the ball.

The Arsenal supporters already find Rice endearing after his outstanding performances against strong opponents like Manchester City and Manchester United. Given his influence to date and the bright years he has ahead of him at the club, some supporters have even gone so far as to call his transfer from West Ham a “bargain.”

Rice was very open about his difficulties since joining Arsenal in an interview with Sky Sports, the biggest of which being the weight of the high price tag. He admitted that there was strain to meet the high standards brought forth by the club’s large expenditure.

“Just mentally, as a player, dealing with that and knowing you have to go and perform, knowing you have to go out week in and week out and prove why the club has spent so much money on you.”

To the extent that it is seldom cited as a criticism of any performance thus far, the weight of that price tag has undoubtedly not showed. Though there will be many more challenges ahead for him and the Gunners, Rice feels that his personal confidence has enabled him thus far to overcome any uncertainties and difficulties.

Do you know what, he said? I have never lacked confidence. I have always believed in my capacity to go out and justify that cost. Sincerely speaking, I don’t give it much thought either. That, I believe, explains my excellent start to life at Arsenal thus far.

To tell the trutҺ, I’ve just been preoccupied with my football and what the manager has asked of me, not with anything else. In addition, everyone around here—staff, teammates, and everyone else—has been quite kind to me.