Arsenal are heading back to the big stage, and Declan Rice wants the entire fanbase along for the ride. After the Gunners punched their ticket to the Champions League final for the first time in two decades, the midfield general issued a rallying cry: bring 200,000 Gooners to Budapest.

It was a night to remember at the Emirates. Bukayo Saka’s sharp finish just before halftime—pouncing on a rebound with ice-cold precision—sealed a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid and sent Arsenal through to the final. For a club that last graced Europe’s showpiece event 20 years ago, this felt like a homecoming.

Now, all eyes turn to the Puskas Arena later this month, where Arsenal will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain. And Rice, already buzzing with the occasion, isn't holding back. "It's crazy saying that," he said, reflecting on the final berth. "Bring it on, bring it on—I'll be ready. Let's see what happens. Budapest, I want every Arsenal fan out there. 200,000 of you, come out! Let's try and do it because we're going to need all the support, all the energy, and let's make it really special."

The England international didn't just look ahead—he soaked in the moment. Calling Tuesday night the best European atmosphere he's experienced at the club, Rice credited the fans for lifting the team 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."

He painted a vivid picture of the pre-match energy: "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."

For a generation of Arsenal supporters who've waited years for nights like this, Rice's message is clear: this is their moment. "Even if you're tired, it just gives you that energy to keep going," he added. "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."

With the final looming and a sea of red and white expected to descend on Budapest, one thing is certain: the Gunners are ready to make history, and they want their army right beside them.