Gary Neville says West Ham can deal with Declan Rice exit in ‘mature’ way
Gary Neville has claimed that Declan Rice’s West Ham departure will not “destroy” the dressing room, insisting that they can deal with it in a “mature” way.
The England international was left out of the starting line-up in yesterday’s [April 23] 2-0 defeat to Chelsea ahead of their Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek.
With the 23-year-old’s future with the Irons in jeopardy having turned down his third contract request from the club, Neville shared his thoughts on the matter.
He told Sky Sports via Mirror: “David Moyes has absolutely done the right to prioritise Europe in the week. He’s got a far better chance of making the Champions League that way than through the traditional route that is top four. Declan Rice, we know he’s going to leave in the next year or two.”
He added: “Because of the relationship, I think they can be really mature about this. I don’t think it has to be played out in the media. They can be really direct, honest and then communicate what they’re going to do. I don’t think there’s any reason to allow the speculation to destroy the dressing room spirit.”
Inevitable.
West Ham fans will be gutted that Rice is leaving, make no mistake about that. He is by far the best player the Irons have had for a long time and it will be a shame to see him leave.
He has been crucial in building the club up to the success they are currently enjoying and the Hammers fans will never forget that. As much as it is disappointing for him not to want to stay at the club, that is what will be remembered by most Irons fans which will hopefully mean there is no bad blood when he eventually does depart.
It is quite hard to blame him too. The former Chelsea youth player is someone who has the quality to play for any club in the world. Rice is a generational talent who at the end of his career could have won every trophy available and the Hammers supporters can forgive him for pursuing that.
Hopefully, he can write his name in the clubs’ history with a trophy and Champions League football ahead of what is set to be his final season at the club, next year.
In other West Ham news, Declan Rice has turned down his third new contract at club and Manchester United respond.
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