SNOW TV NEWS DESK
Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice has revealed that he stepped away from X, formerly known as Twitter, after becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the negativity and online abuse directed at him and his family.
The 27-year-old footballer, who has been in a long-term relationship with his partner, Lauren Fryer, said he stopped using the platform three years ago to protect his mental well-being.
Fryer previously became the target of cruel online comments about her appearance, with the harassment reportedly becoming so intense that she eventually removed all her pictures from Instagram.
Speaking to GQ Magazine after being named among its Men of the Year, Rice explained how a single negative comment online could ruin an otherwise good day.
“You could be having a great morning. You read one thing, and it just ruins your whole day,” he said.
The England international added that one of his strengths is his ability to ignore unnecessary distractions and avoid allowing online criticism to affect his personal life.
Rice also expressed concern about the growing influence of social media on younger generations, suggesting that excessive exposure to digital platforms could affect people’s confidence and ability to express themselves genuinely.
Beyond football and social media, the midfielder spoke about the enormous financial rewards in modern professional football, describing the amounts of money involved as “ridiculous.”
Despite his financial success and reports that he is closing in on a lucrative new contract extension at Arsenal, Rice insisted that wealth is not what drives him.
The father of four-year-old Jude said he wants to raise his son with strong values, ensuring that he understands the importance of hard work, discipline, and the value of money rather than growing up feeling entitled.
“You still want to teach your kid values, not wanting them to be spoiled. You want them to work and to understand the value of life and money,” Rice explained.
Rice’s comments offer a glimpse into the personal pressures that come with being a high-profile footballer, where public attention often extends beyond performances on the pitch to family members who never chose to live under the spotlight.
His decision to step away from social media also highlights a growing conversation about online harassment and the emotional consequences it can have, particularly when abuse extends to the loved ones of public figures.
For Rice, protecting his peace and keeping his family away from unnecessary negativity appear to matter far more than staying active on social media.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
