Arsenal star Declan Rice has admitted he’s ‘absolutely gutted’ following the relegation of his former club West Ham United from the Premier League. The Hammers will compete in the Championship next season after finishing 18th under Nuno Espirito Santo, who is now facing the axe.
Sunday’s 3-0 home victory over Leeds United proved meaningless after Tottenham Hotspur secured their top-flight survival with a win against Everton. Rice, who departed West Ham to sign with Arsenal for a British record £105 million (almost $133 million) in 2023, was visibly frustrated upon learning of his former side’s relegation shortly after helping Arsenal defeat Crystal Palace.
The England international has since taken to Instagram to voice his disappointment while pledging his support for West Ham’s anticipated comeback next season. On his story, Rice wrote, as per The Mirror: “I’m absolutely gutted to see West Ham relegated.
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“A club that really does mean so much to me. As I said before, I wouldn’t be where I am today without everything the club has done for me.
“With that being said, I have no doubt they will be back where they belong in the Premier League in no time. I will be supporting always.”
The 27-year-old included a red heart emoji to reinforce the sentiment behind his message. In stark contrast, Rice has enjoyed a remarkable season, propelling Arsenal to the Premier League title as well as the UEFA Champions League final.
But the midfielder will forever acknowledge West Ham as the foundation for his career. The Hammers recruited Rice as a youngster after he was released by Chelsea, and he eventually wore the captain’s armband during his decade at the club.
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Rice shared with Channel 4 shortly after departing the London Stadium: “It was definitely the hardest decision I’ve had to make so far in football. Everyone knows my love for West Ham still even now. But overall it was a fairytale ending for me (winning the Conference League).
“I was obviously released at 14, went to West Ham, signed a two-year deal and once everything clicked in terms of my growth spurt, realised what position I am, put myself in a position where it was all or nothing really.
“I was kept in and around the first-team and once I made my debut I’ve not looked back since. I can’t explain the feelings, you know people leave clubs and you know they lose affiliation with that club.”
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