West Ham manager David Moyes expects former captain Declan Rice to receive a warm welcome at the London Stadium when he returns for the Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal.
Declan Rice And West Ham
Having joined West Ham’s academy from Chelsea in 2013, Rice spent the next few years working his way through the ranks, eventually making his first team debut on the last day of the 2016-17 Premier League season.
From then the London-born midfielder accumulated 204 Premier League appearances for the Hammers and was named the club captain before the 2022-23 season, which culminated in the England midfielder lifting the club’s first European silverware since 1965.
Following this, Rice joined Arsenal for £105m at the beginning of the 2023-24 campaign and has contributed heavily to the Gunners’ strong start to the season.
"He should be welcomed back with open arms" 💬
David Moyes on midfielder Declan Rice’s return to his former club ahead of their Carabao Cup game against Arsenal 🏟️🗣 pic.twitter.com/1RaVsjfp2m
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 31, 2023
What Did Moyes And Arteta Say About Rice’s Return To West Ham?
In today’s pre-match press conference, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hinted at Declan Rice’s involvement in the Carabao Cup game against West Ham saying: “He can be involved. It would be his first time back there at his old club and a beautiful moment for him. I think it’s beautiful, I had the experience to do it a few times and then you really see what they think of you and what you left at that club.”
Following these comments from Arteta, Hammers boss Moyes also had his say, as he expects his former captain to receive a warm welcome from the home supporters if he is involved.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Moyes said: “You’ve got to remember this is the man who lifted this club’s first European trophy in more than 50 years.
“He should be welcomed back with open arms. We’re all looking forward to seeing him again.
“He was a brilliant member of the team. He led the team brilliantly well, he conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham captain and as a player.
“The most important thing was that he gave 100 percent in every game, even though we sort of knew he probably wasn’t going to stay at West Ham. So all credit to him. He conducted himself brilliantly well and for that alone, he deserves to be cheered.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Dec again. I’ve not seen him since he left. I don’t know if I want him to play, but I hope he’s there.”
How do you think Declan Rice will be received upon his return to West Ham?
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