West Ham star sends message to Declan Rice after Arsenal win v Real Madrid
Declan Rice grabbed headlines after starring in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Real Madrid on Tuesday, leaving his former West Ham United teammates proud.
Arsenal left many shocked after earning a thumping 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie on 8 April, with Rice getting his name on the scoresheet twice.
The former West Ham captain became a major talking point in football after scoring from a free-kick, not once, but twice against the reigning European champions.
His second goal in particular blew the minds of fans, pundits, journalists and pundits across the globe, drawing a reaction from Pablo Fornals and Joe Hart among others.
West Ham star reacts to Rice heroics v Real Madrid
There has been a feeling that Rice does not deserve the plaudits he deserves, despite Arsenal forking out a whopping £100million to sign him from West Ham in 2023.
However, the England international set that record straight with two stunning goals against Real Madrid, helping the Gunners put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals already.
| Minutes | Accurate Passes | Shot Accuracy | Big Chances Missed | Touches | Successful Dribbles | Ground Duels Won |
| 80 | 27/30 (90%) | 4/5 (80%) | 1 | 43 | 1/1 | 1/3 (33%) |
Rice later took to social media to express his delight at his performance against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, and fans, players and pundits have since been flocking to the comment section.
Maxwel Cornet was among those who tipped their hats to the 26-year-old (9 April), writing “Declan” along with a face exhaling emoji and a smiling face with hearts emoji.
Frank Lampard also waxed lyrical about Rice, writing: “Top, top quality mate.”
Rice cash windfall twist emerges after Arsenal heroics
Rice’s heroics for Arsenal in the Champions League make one wonder if West Ham stand to benefit from the Gunners’ progress in the competition.
When the North London giants roped the midfielder in from the Hammers in 2023, they had agreed on an additional £5m on top of the initial £100m fee.
However, that clause only applies when Arsenal qualify for the Champions League, with West Ham pocketing £1m every time they do that for a maximum of five times, according to Hammer News (9 April).
The Irons may have missed a trick by not insisting on an additional clause by which Arsenal would have had to pay them more if they won the Champions League.