“Rice Reaffirms His Decision to Leave West Ham for Arsenal”
"West Ham Have Never Missed Declan Rice More, but He's Confident Leaving for Arsenal Was the Right Choice."
Declan Rice may have disappointed many West Ham fans by moving to Arsenal, but his words and actions have shown that his affection for the Hammers remains strong.
He has expressed this sentiment in interviews, by refraining from celebrating after scoring against West Ham, and through gestures like posting about the club’s Europa Conference League anniversary and donating to support a young Academy goalkeeper battling cancer.
Recently, Rice shared a picture on Instagram playing golf with West Ham’s sporting director, Mark Noble, captioning it, “Tightest of friends always,” with a heart emoji.
Given football’s tribal nature, it’s understandable that some West Ham supporters felt hurt when their captain chose Arsenal over Manchester City, their London rivals.
Arsenal fans have since taunted West Ham supporters, especially after their beloved captain was sold in a £105m deal.
Rice, as West Ham fans predicted, has been a standout for the Gunners.
When West Ham faced Arsenal three times last season, Rice received a mixed reaction from the Hammers’ fans.
He was even teased with chants like “you should have signed for a big club.”
However, his respectful behavior, particularly during Arsenal’s 6-0 win, and his consistent regard for West Ham, bode well for his future receptions from Hammers fans.
Though Rice helped Arsenal compete for the Premier League title against Manchester City last season, the Gunners narrowly missed out.
Rice left West Ham with the goal of competing for and winning the biggest trophies.
Yet, for now, his Europa Conference League win with West Ham remains his last major trophy.
If Arsenal’s trophy drought continues, pressure will mount on manager Mikel Arteta.
Rice, however, remains steadfast in his decision, believing Arsenal was the right choice for his career.
While joining Manchester City might have already earned him several titles, Rice has no regrets about his move from East to North London.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Rice reiterated his confidence in his decision to join Arsenal.
He spoke alongside Arsenal Ladies star Alessia Russo, who had left Manchester United around the same time Rice moved from West Ham.
“When I signed here, I signed for a massive club with high expectations,” Rice said.
Reflecting on his first year, he expressed excitement for the future, hoping for more success in the upcoming season.
While his words might irritate some West Ham fans, particularly as their midfield struggles in his absence, it’s important to recognize that selling Rice allowed the club to rebuild.
Without his departure, West Ham couldn’t have restructured the squad.
One thing that deserves respect is Rice’s refusal to kiss the Arsenal badge—something he frequently did at West Ham.
Knowing how much it would hurt his former club’s fans, it’s unlikely he ever will, staying true to the respect he has always shown towards the Hammers.
