West Ham were relegated to the Championship on Sunday following a disastrous end to the season, but Declan Rice made his feelings clear in an Instagram post.
Declan Rice still feels close to West Ham (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Arsenal star Declan Rice has said he is “completely heartbroken” after his former club West Ham were relegated from the Premier League. The Irons will qualify for the Championship next season after finishing 18th under coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who is currently facing sacking.
Sunday’s 3-0 home win against Leeds was wasted as Tottenham secured their place with victory over Everton. Rice, who left West Ham to join Arsenal in 2023 for a record £105m, a British record fee, was seen as upset when he heard the news of his former club’s relegation just after helping Arsenal defeat Crystal Palace.
The England international expressed his disappointment on Instagram while rooting for West Ham as they look to bounce back next season. Speaking about his story, Rice said: “I was really disappointed to see West Ham get relegated.
“This club is really important to me. Like I said before, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for everything the club has done for me.
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“Having said that, I have no doubt that they will soon return to their rightful place in the Premier League and I will always be rooting for them.”
The 27-year-old added a red heart emoji to emphasize the emotion of the message. Rice, in contrast, had a phenomenal season, leading Arsenal to the Premier League title and the Champions League final.
However, the midfielder has always believed that West Ham is the foundation of his career. Rice was picked up by the Irons as a teenager after being released by Chelsea, and he captained the club during his 10-year spell with the club.
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Declan Rice posts a heartfelt message (Image: Instagram/declanrice)
Arsenal star was furious after hearing of West Ham’s relegation
Immediately after leaving the London Stadium, Rice explained to Channel 4: “This was definitely the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in football. Everyone still knows my love for West Ham, but overall it was a fairytale ending for me (winning the Conference League).”
“Obviously I got released at 14, went to West Ham, signed a two-year contract and when everything fell into place in terms of a growth spurt, I realized what position I was in and really put myself in an all-or-nothing situation.
“I stayed in and around the first team and have never looked back since my debut. I can’t explain this feeling. I also know that when someone leaves a club, they lose their connection to that club.”
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