Declan Rice speaks for the first time since West Ham confirmed desire to leave
Hammers captain the subject of huge speculation as Arsenal plan transfer move
eclan Rice has posted an emotional message to West Ham fans as celebrations from the Europa Conference League final continue.
The England international followed in the footsteps of the iconic Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds in lifting silverware for the east London club after a dramatic win over Fiorentina in Prague.
Jarrod Bowen scored a last-minute winner to end a 43-year wait for a major trophy as the squad prepare to parade their crown in front of supporters in east London on Thursday.
While Hammers captain Rice was coy on his future in the immediate wake of the club’s most famous night in modern history, co-chairman David Sullivan has since confirmed the midfielder wants to leave.
Arsenal are now ready to launch a formal approach for the 24-year-old, who has rejected the offer of a new £200k-per-week deal with his boyhood club.
For now, however, the moment belongs to Rice and West Ham and the skipper posted a message reading: “These fans man. I love you all. You deserve it as much as anyone! What a buzzzzz!! CHAMPIONEEEEEEE” on Thursday.
The Hammers are believed to have set an asking price of around £120m for Rice, who has also attracted interest from German giants Bayern Munich.