West Ham United: Declan Rice opens up on London Stadium jeers after returning with Arsenal
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice can “100 per cent” take any boos aimed his way after being given a mixed reaction on his return to West Ham.
Rice was targeted by some jeers during Arsenal’s trip to London Stadium on 11 February, as was the case in November’s Carabao Cup tie.
The England international was on target in the Gunners’ 6-0 win, but he decided against celebrating in front of his former fans.
Speaking to ESPN [1 March] about his latest return, Rice said: “It was so tough.We lost in the cup to them. We lost in the league at the Emirates; I didn’t play well and gave away a penalty.
“The West Ham fans bantered me and I can 100 per cent take that; I played for West Ham for 10 years and I know how they work. When I went over to take the corner, there were a few boos, but there were claps as well.
“I know my love for them has never changed; their love for me has never changed. It is one of those things where you move on.
“Obviously I scored a great goal, it was really odd. Even speaking about it now, it is weird. A lot of the lads asked me afterwards, ‘How does it feel?’ It was a bittersweet feeling, really odd.
“I always said I would never celebrate against West Ham and I don’t think I ever will. They made me who I am. I spent 10 years there; I owe them a lot.
“I would never ever celebrate; I think that would be really disrespectful. Overall, [it was] a really good day to win and to score, but a bittersweet feeling.”
Declan Rice impressing at Arsenal following West Ham switch
The vast majority of supporters were either indifferent in terms of their reaction towards Rice or gave him the odd clap. The problem, though, is that the jeers are easier to pick up.
Rice is ultimately now playing for a London rival, while those in attendance have every right to do what they want in terms of jeering or booing an opposition player.
The fact Rice did not celebrate his strike in that recent thrashing should mean there are even fewer boos the next time he returns to London Stadium.
Not to go back over old ground, but supporters should ultimately be grateful for Rice’s many years of service, culminating in last summer’s Europa Conference League success.
Rice departed with time still left on his contract, meaning United brought in over £100million to strengthen the squad in other areas. It was money well spent, too.
The midfielder’s exit was still fresh in the memory on both of his returns this season, but plenty more water would have passed under the bridge by the time we next meet.
Supporters can continue wanting the best for West Ham while at the same time wishing Rice the best in his new adventure. The two are not mutually exclusive.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes has made a “concerned” Lucas Paqueta injury admission ahead of facing Everton.
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