Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice sends message to West Ham United fans after being jeered on London Stadium return
Declan Rice has posted a message to West Ham supporters on social media after being widely booed on his return to the club with Arsenal.
The former United fan favourite played against the Irons for the first time on Wednesday (1 November) since his £105million exit in the summer.
Sections of the London Stadium crowd jeered Rice before the game, as well as when came on as a substitute and then every time he touched the ball.
Despite that, Rice clapped every section of the ground at full-time and has now posted a message on his Instagram account [2 November].
“Despite the result, loved being back at the stadium and seeing so many familiar faces,” Rice said.
“Thank you West Ham fans for the reception. Will be forever grateful to all of you.
“Wish you nothing but the best for the rest of the season. See you soon.”
Short memories
Rice showed his class with the way he applauded West Ham fans at full-time, despite his side falling to a 3-1 defeat in the EFL Cup last-16 tie.
And this social media message is proof that the England international still holds the club close to his heart, despite his London Stadium departure.
Booing former players on their return is categorised as ‘football supporter banter’, and it is understandable in many ways.
After all, West Ham are the biggest club in the world in the view of West Ham supporters – any transfer is therefore a backwards step.
But Rice went about his exit in the right way, helping the club to raise over £100m in the process that has been invested back into the squad.
It also seems a lot of those who jeered Rice have forgotten he is one of three captains to have guided United to a major trophy.
After the fallout from this match, it is likely that the now-Arsenal midfielder will get a better reception when we next cross paths.
In other West Ham news, a player the Hammers are interested in signing in January is reportedly now available to purchase.