Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has shared a heartfelt message to West Ham supporters on social media after making his return to the London Stadium on Wednesday night. Despite moving to the Gunners in search of more silverware, the 24-year-old came out on the losing side against his former employers to end Mikel Arteta’s Carabao Cup bid.
The FA Cup remains Arteta’s only major trophy since he took charge of Arsenal in 2019. That didn’t stop him fielding a weakened side against the Hammers, who put out a full-strength XI with a spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at stake.
David Moyes’ selection did the trick as West Ham prevailed 3-1 on home turf, with goals from Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen adding to Ben White’s own goal in the first half.
Rice had to make do with a place on the bench until just before the hour mark, when he was given a warm reception by West Ham supporters upon replacing Jorginho.
Taking to Instagram the morning after the game, Rice wrote: “Despite the result, [I] loved being back at the stadium and seeing so many familiar faces. Thank you West Ham fans for the reception. [I] will be forever grateful to all of you. Wish you all nothing but the best for the rest of the season. See you soon!”
Rice joined the Hammers’ youth set-up as a 14-year-old after being released by Chelsea. Transitioning from a centre-back to an all-action midfielder, the England international made almost 250 appearances for the first team.
“He was a brilliant member of the team, he led the team brilliantly well and conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham player and captain in his time here. I’m really looking forward to seeing Dec. I’ve not seen him since he left. I don’t know if I want him to play but I hope he’s there.
“The most important thing was that he gave 100 per cent in every game even though we all sort of knew that he probably wouldn’t be staying at West Ham. He conducted himself brilliantly well and for that alone deserves to be cheered. We miss him, but we’ve moved on as well and we had to do so.”
