David Sullivan sends message to West Ham United fans, 'I am sorry'
West Ham United joint-chairman David Sullivan says he is "sorry" to see club captain Declan Rice leave the club in a message to the Hammers fans.
The Hammers confirmed the departure of Declan Rice (15 July) with the England international expected to complete his big-money move to Arsenal, calling time on his six-year stint in the West Ham first team.
And in a message on the West Ham United official website, following the confirmation of Rice's departure, Sullivan wrote a heartfelt message to the club fans, making it clear that he did not want to see the East London academy product leave.
He said: “I am sorry to see Declan leave us, but I believe that everyone at West Ham United should be very proud of the part we have played in his journey from the Academy of Football at Chadwell Heath to becoming the most valuable young player in English football.
“I would like to make it clear to our supporters that we did not want to sell Declan. We wanted to build our team around him and made a series of improved, long-term contract offers to secure his future. However, once Declan made it clear that he wished to move on and seek a new challenge, the Club felt it would not be right to stand in his way, acting in the best interests of West Ham United.
“He leaves with the sincere thanks, respect and love of everyone here, having earned his place in history alongside the great Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds as the only players to have captained West Ham United to a major trophy. More than that, he has always given absolutely everything for the football club throughout his time with us.
“Declan will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Hammers fans and everyone here at the Club. We wish him well for the future and he will always be an inspiration and an example to any young player coming through our Academy.”
Farewell legend
It is incredibly sad to see Rice depart West Ham and seek pastures new and it will certainly be strange to see him in another shirt next season after all he's done and built in East London.
His importance, status and influence at the club are clear for all to see after Sullivan's admission that the club were desperate to keep him and build a new team around him, but Rice's intentions are absolutely understandable.
The England international is a sensational player, arguably one of the best in his position on the continent and such a talent deserves a shot and a chance to prove himself at Champions League level, and Arsenal is the perfect platform for him to achieve his next steps to greatness.
It's a shame Rice had to join a capital rival and it will certainly leave a sour taste in the mouths of some West Ham United supporters but after all he's achieved, especially over the past month, they can't do anything but say a heartfelt farewell and good luck to a real club icon and legend.
In other West Ham news, Gianluca Scamacca’s future is up in the air after a loan move was blocked.