Declan Rice has admitted that he is desperate to play in the Champions League and challenge for the Premier League title, potentially casting doubt on his West Ham future.
The England international has been a bedrock of the Three Lions’ run at the World Cup, playing in all three games as Gareth Southgate’s side won their group to set up a Round of 16 tie against Senegal this weekend.
Rice was also key to England’s run to the Euro 2020 final, where they were eventually beaten by Italy, and Declan has now admitted that he has had his appetite whetted when it comes to playing in the biggest games in the sport.
We have reported consistently that Declan has agreed to spend this season with the Hammers but he is open to exploring his options this summer, when there is likely to be a long list of potential suitors, including the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.
Speaking at an England press conference, as per the Evening Standard, Dec was asked if he had the hunger to play in the Champions League and said: “Yeah, 100 per cent.
“For the last two or three years I have been saying that. I have been playing consistently well for [my] club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing.
“I see my friends here who are playing in the Champions League and for big trophies… you only get one career and at the end of your career you want to look back at what you have won and the biggest games you have played in. I am really ambitious.”
Well that counts Real Madrid out – they aren’t in the Premier League so can’t challenge for the title! Newcastle could possibly be added to the potential list of suitors, though I doubt Rice would want to go up there. Chelsea might be his favourite.
It will be Bon Voyage Dec for sure, and he deserves it. I have been fortunate indeed in my 60 years of supporting WH to see many top players developed and play for us at the highest level. Honestly it may be rose tinted specs but I have always been excited by our play over the decades ( not BFS!). Last season early it came back briefly, but sadly it was a false dawn. So WH are good enough for Dec perhaps, but Moyes is not.
A Chelsea website posted an article claiming that a journo conected to the club stated that at this moment there are 2 clubs talking to Decs dad,he also said he cant mention who they are but he did say Chelsea is not one of them.
Couple of years ago I think it was Chelsea beat us to the champions league places by two points. Declan was that close to playing champions league with West Ham.
If he goes I hope it’s to Man City, couldn’t stand having him beat us with any other team. If Dec insists on going back to his boyhood club Chelsea though then we have to be smart. We should demand from Chelsea Connor Gallagher and Armando Broja in exchange as part of the deal.