West Ham United's Disdain for Arsenal Evident in Declan Rice Transfer Statement
Key Highlights :
West Ham United released a club statement on Saturday morning confirming that captain Declan Rice was leaving the club, but one detail was deliberately left out by the Hammers – the name of his new club, Arsenal. Despite the two clubs being involved in prolonged negotiations for the British record transfer, believed to be worth £105million, there was not a single mention of the Gunners in the statement.
This lack of acknowledgement of Rice's new club was a clear indication of the displeasure felt by West Ham United towards their London rivals, and this sentiment was echoed by manager David Moyes in the lead up to the transfer. Speaking ahead of the club's pre-season tour in Australia, Moyes bemoaned the lack of clarity he had been given, implying that it was halting his own summer plans.
West Ham's joint-chairman David Sullivan said in the statement: “I am sorry to see Declan leave us, but I believe that everyone at West Ham United should be very proud of the part we have played in his journey from the Academy of Football at Chadwell Heath to becoming the most valuable young player in English football."
The transfer has apparently cost West Ham in the market, as negotiations became dicey after Rice agreed personal terms with Arsenal. The Gunners reportedly tried to stagger their payments and alter how the final deal looked, which is likely to have frustrated the Hammers.
Rice himself released his own statement, where he emotionally thanked West Ham fans and also outlined how difficult he will find it to face them in opposition colours next season. He said: “I’m not sure yet exactly how I will feel, but I also know you will all understand and respect that my professional loyalties have to now lie with my new Club. I will always give 100% every single time I pull on the shirt – because that is how I have been brought up at West Ham, and I’m sure you wouldn’t expect anything else."
Arsenal are yet to officially confirm the transfer, which will take Mikel Arteta's summer spending beyond £200million. The Spanish boss will be hoping the signing of Rice will prove to be a success, as he looks to build on the club's FA Cup and Community Shield wins last season.
West Ham United's disdain for Arsenal was evident in the club statement released on Saturday morning. Despite confirming the departure of their former captain, there was not a single mention of the Gunners, which was a clear indication of the displeasure felt by the Hammers towards their London rivals. Rice himself said an emotional farewell to West Ham United fans, and the transfer will take Mikel Arteta's summer spending beyond £200million.
