Declan Rice aimed a subtle dig at Manchester City when he explained his reason behind signing for Arsenal instead of the English champions.
Man City and Arsenal both battled for the signature of Rice last summer.
And Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta will go head-to-head for another Premier League star this summer for the second year in a row.
The Gunners secured Rice's services for a club-record £105 million, with the midfielder excelling this season as his side mount a title charge.
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But he could have been in the other end of the title race, which would have seen him paired with Rodri in the middle of the park.
"I know," he said, when asked about potentially playing alongside Rodri this campaign.
The 25-year-old continued by revealing his motive behind penning a deal at Arsenal instead of Man City.
"But this project seemed more exciting and that’s why I chose to come to Arsenal, because I believe we’re on to big things here," he explained.
Rice has relished his duels with the Spaniard and admits his rival is the 'best in the world' in that position.
"It’s good, I enjoy it," he added. "We’re different players, I feel. With Rodri, he was born in Spain, he’s always been a natural No 6.
"You can just tell by the way he plays that he’s worked under Pep (Guardiola) for so long. He’s a lot more structured than I am.
"I’d say I’m a lot more off-the-cuff. Obviously, this season I’ve been more structured. But in terms of the way I play, I feel like... being free a little bit more.
"There are different things that we complement each other on - but no doubt, he’s the best in the world."
Rice has made 35 league appearances this season, scoring six goals. He has been instrumental in Arsenal's title charge as they look to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
Topics: Arsenal, Manchester City, Football, Declan Rice
Nasir Jabbar