Pundit: Declan Rice has 'made his bed' at West Ham United, club should keep him away from TV interviews

By West Ham Zone speaking to Frank McAvennie

14th Mar, 2023 | 6:10pm

We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…

Frank McAvennie says Declan Rice has “made his bed” at West Ham now and the club should keep him away from television interviews until he leaves.

Rice looks all set to leave the London Stadium in the summer in search of Champions League football, with the player himself confirming his aspirations during the World Cup earlier this season.

And McAvennie was asked about the possibility of Rice sticking around next season if nobody stumps up enough cash to sign him, but he can’t see it happening and believes the fans have had enough of him now too.

“He’s made his bed,” he told West Ham Zone.

“He’s put out that statement, you know the fans are on him now. And he’s talking nonsense now, so I’d keep him away from the telly if it was me.”

Rice has been linked with a mega-money move to both Arsenal and Chelsea, with the Gunners seen as front-runners in a deal worth around £80m.

But Chelsea are said to be considering trying to hijack the deal by offering a stronger financial package, although the player himself wants Champions League football and there is no guarantees Chelsea make it after their horror season so far.

The Hammers are battling against relegation right now, outside of the drop zone on goal difference alone, and Rice has been accused of not being as influential as in previous seasons due to his head being turned by the transfer situation.

It’s clear that some fans and ex-players have had enough, and an exit this summer now seems inevitable.