Declan Rice tries to calm down West Ham fans.
Declan Rice was sold by West Ham to Arsenal in the summer transfer window for a British transfer record of £105 million.
Declan Rice departed West Ham to join Arsenal, prompting outrage among some Hammers supporters.
David Moyes was helpless to stop the 24-year-old from departing the London Stadium.
The good news for West Ham is that, because to some fantastic summer additions, we appear to have become a better team without Rice.
That didn’t make his departure any easier to stomach for Hammers fans. Rice, in my opinion, spoke out of turn during the World Cup break, when he practically put himself in the shop window by implying that he was yearning to play Champions League football.
The fact that he had joined a London competitor did not go over well with the London Stadium crowd. Since then, the midfielder has drawn the anger of West Ham fans with his lavish admiration for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal in general.
Dec has already moved to ease tensions ahead of the return to the London Stadium…
The Gunners will face the Hammers in the Premier League for the first time on Boxing Day at the Emirates. However, we are poised to host Arsenal in the Carabao Cup at the London Stadium at the end of this month.
Dec also issued a message to West Ham fans ahead of the possible reunion, as reported by Four Four Two:
“I want to maintain a positive relationship with him (Moyes) because he was so nice to me, and the fans were as well – they’re special.” I know it’s difficult to see a player leave for another club, but I’m sure they understand – maybe, when I see them again, I’ll be able to properly say goodbye.”Rice appears to be underestimating how much certain Hammers fans loathe him right now.
To be fair, this is how football should be. When it comes to the beautiful game, tribalism is at the heart of our culture, and as excellent as he was for us, there should be no cheering when he returns to East London.
Declan Rice may face a hostile greeting when he returns to West Ham with Arsenal.
I’m all for it as long as it doesn’t cross the line into personal abuse.
