“I don’t have the hatred for Arsenal, I’m not a Spurs fan” - Tottenham superstar makes huge admission on rivalry

Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder James Maddison has stated that he doesn't despise Arsenal despite the rivalry between the north London clubs.

Considered widely as one of the biggest rivalries in the English game, fans from both teams often want to get one over the other. Most recently, the Gunners needed Spurs to pick up at least a point against Manchester City in the final weeks of the Premier League to give Arsenal a shot at the title.

With Ange Postecoglou's team failing to do so, Spurs fans on social media seemed more than happy with the loss to Manchester City on May 14 (2-0). Despite these emotions, Maddison told talkSPORT (via The Boot Room):

"All the build-up that you lot do (media), we probably don't notice as much as you think or don't fully understand the fans' feelings. I am not a Tottenham fan. Deep down in my heart, I don't have the hatred for Arsenal that Tottenham fans have. But on the same page, I completely understand."

"I am a Coventry fan. That's where watching Coventry in the FA Cup, that's how I feel when I support a team, and that's how I know with the rivals and stuff," he added.

Spurs signed the England international in the summer of 2023 for a reported £40 million from Leicester City. Since then, he's become a fan favorite and has managed 30 appearances across competitions this campaign, bagging four goals and nine assists.

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James Maddison says he hates the fact Declan Rice plays for Arsenal

Declan Rice

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison lavished praise on Arsenal's Declan Rice and wished the 25-year-old didn't represent the Gunners in the Premier League.

Last summer, Rice was brought to the Emirates from West Ham United for a reported £105 million. Maddison, who has shared the pitch with the former Hammers man four times for England, said about Rice (via SPORTbible):

"He's got everything, he's technically really good. He's a joke when it comes to low-cut passes. I think he's a top, top player, I hate that he plays for Arsenal."

Rice had a standout season with the Gunners, playing as a No. 6 initially and then in a more advanced midfield role towards the back end of the campaign.

Overall, he made 51 appearances across competitions for Arsenal, bagging seven goals and 10 assists.