Football fans have launched a scathing attack on former Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder for dismissing Declan Rice’s stunning free kicks as nothing special.
The Arsenal midfielder produced two moments of magic at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, to put Arsenal 2-0 up on the night. Both goals came from well-hit free kicks.
However, speaking after the game, Sneijder appeared far from impressed by Rice’s efforts.
“I don’t think the free kicks were that impressive. This may sound strange, but it’s extremely easy to curve a ball like that as long as you know how to take a shot, and I know all about this. The wall was at fault here. The same for the second free kick—you saw Courtois moving to his right just before Rice took it, a mistake by the goalkeeper,” he said.
While some shared similar sentiments and agreed with the 2010 Champions League winner, the comments sparked outrage among fans. Many wasted no time calling out the former star, with some even suggesting he lacks football insight.
Read some of the comments below:
It’s always the dutch guy that wasn’t anything important in his old days,has something different to say about the new Gen
— Moyez (@moyz83) April 9, 2025
The fatter he grows the smaller his brain shrinks. So sad to see.
— Fan Sxnti (@PeakSxnti) April 9, 2025
Says a man who scored only 3 free kicks in his entire football career. Messi or Penaldo would never say such a thing.
— Sio Leo (@TheHypeReels) April 9, 2025
What a sore loser. You can see it by the teams he used to play for.
— furiousduck (@furiousduck2) April 9, 2025
So what? They should cancel the goals?
— SteveTams🇸🇬 🇳🇬 (@TamunoSteve) April 9, 2025
Just a bitter ex-footballer with Van der vaart
— Inverted Spaces 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@AfcInverted) April 9, 2025
FKA/MA
Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with veteran coach JE Sarpong