Declan Rice scored against Burnley(Image: Alex Livesey, Getty Images)

Arsenal star Declan Rice has revealed that he gestured towards the heavens whilst celebrating his goal against Burnley as a tribute to his beloved late aunt.

The Gunners midfielder dedicated his strike to his relative following her passing prior to Arsenal's fixture against Fulham in October. Rice's auntie was a devoted supporter of the footballer, journeying across the country to watch her nephew's exploits.

The England international's mind immediately turned to her when he found the net against the Clarets. Rice nodded home from Leandro Trossard's delivery as the Gunners executed a clinical counter-attack to double their advantage after Viktor Gyokeres' opening goal, reports the Mirror.

The 26-year-old explained his skyward celebration following Arsenal's triumph at Turf Moor.

He said: "My auntie passed away before the Fulham game. I loved her to death. Travelled everywhere to watch me with my mum. I know she's watching down so that was for her today."

Rice feels he channelled the instincts of a classic centre-forward as his team inflicted a rare home reverse upon Scott Parker's side. However,...