Arsenal football club have received some great news that their long-serving, Pat Rice, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Years Honours list.
The ex-Arsenal footballer and assistant manager, stepped down from his job in the summer, but is still involved with the club’s scouting system. He has been with Arsenal Football Club for 44 years and he is to be rewarded for his services to sport.
Rice said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be receiving an MBE. The news of the award came as a complete surprise and I’m just so flattered to be included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.
“Football and Arsenal have been my life and I have so many fantastic memories during my career. I have been lucky to have played and worked with so many great individuals, and through hard work I have enjoyed some success along the way.
“It has been a privilege to have represented Arsenal Football Club for more than forty years, a great club with great values. I am also proud to have represented my country on many occasions, and also a special mention to Watford Football Club, who I enjoyed a short spell with as well.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me throughout my career, and importantly, a special thank you to all my family, who have always been there for me and supported me throughout my career.”
On learning of the news of Rice’s MBE, Wenger said: “I am absolutely delighted because if someone deserves it, it’s Pat Rice.
“He had 100 per cent genuine commitment to Arsenal every single day and you respect that when you see that from someone. Pat Rice is someone you could go to war with, and you would love to be in the trenches with him. These are very difficult qualities to find in modern society and I am delighted that Pat is being rewarded.
“Pat is an Arsenal legend and a great human being. We’re all so proud and happy for Pat and his family.”
Alex William Batt
