Mark Noble drops Declan Rice exit suggestion at West Ham United as he speaks out
By Tim Fadipe
Mark Noble admits West Ham United’s star midfielder Declan Rice could be on the move in the near future given his desire to compete for the highest accolades.
The 24-year-old has been in the West Ham ranks since 2014 and is unequivocally their best academy graduate over the last decade.
However, having rejected multiple opportunities to renew his contract, it’s clear that Rice is looking to take the next step in his career.
“It’s just the world we live in,” said Noble to the London Evening Standard. “We’re West Ham and these players want to go out and play Champions League football — and do you blame them?”
“Dec is no different. Dec will always be hailed at West Ham as a fantastic player and such a top, top person. But I don’t think anyone begrudges him for wanting to go and win things. We just hope he’ll keep performing like he has been over the last month or so.”
“Wherever Declan ends up, or however much someone pays for him, whether it’s here or anywhere else, he’s worth every penny.
“Do you blame him for having really big ambitions? Of course you don’t. If he didn’t, he probably wouldn’t be as good as he is.”
A generational talent ready for his big move
Since becoming a mainstay in the West Ham team in the 2017-18 season, the star of Rice has continued to ascend and has reached astronomical heights. He has carved himself into the engine that allows the West Ham team to run and was a catalyst on their run to the Europa League semi-final last season.
However, at 24 years of age, it would appear that the time to make the big move is drawing ever close and there won’t be a shortage of suitors. Chelsea has long been admirers of Rice as he was with the club earlier in his youth career and they would be keen to bring him back into the fold. Additionally, Arsenal will be looking to freshen up their midfield this coming summer and reports suggest that Rice is their primary target.
The West Ham captain will have his pick of elite clubs to move to when his time at the London Stadium comes to an end. Whichever club manages to acquire his signature would be acquiring a midfield general, ready to make an immediate impact who brings an immense amount of physicality to the midfield and an underrated level of technicality also.
Lastly, at a time when players are playing multiple games a week, Rice has proven himself to be extremely durable. Over the last five seasons, Rice has only missed 14 games proving that he be counted on to be one of the first names on the team sheet week in and week out.