Declan Rice sends message as West Ham United transfer announcement made

Declan Rice has sent a message to Conor Coventry after he completed his move from West Ham to Charlton Athletic.

The Hammers announced the news on their website on Friday (12 January), bringing the 23-year-old academy product’s time at the London Stadium to a close.

After joining the League One club, the midfielder posted a picture of himself in an Irons shirt on Instagram and thanked everyone at the club for their support, with former captain Rice responding by saying: “What a player, deserve all the things coming your way brother. Go smash it.”

Nice touch

It was a nice touch from Rice to reach out to his old teammate and wish him luck as he makes the switch to South London to join Charlton.

Due to the 24-year-old being just a year older than Coventry, the pair probably played with each other quite regularly during their time in the academy.

Their fortunes in the first team, however, proved to be quite different with Rice going on to captain the side and Coventry making just 10 senior appearances.

West Ham

Having been sent out on loan numerous times over the past few years and his contract expiring in the summer, it was the right time for the former Republic of Ireland U-21 international to have some more stability in his career.

The move will give him the chance to show what he can do and allows him to remain in his home city of London, with everyone associated with the Hammers surely wishing him well.

In other West Ham news, a journalist has shared the likelihood of two player exits at the London Stadium in January.