Arsenal star Declan Rice sends message to West Ham fans after some booed him last nigh

Declan Rice, an Arsenal midfielder, visited London Stadium last night for the first time since leaving West Ham United in the summer. The crowd’s response to his return was divided.

When the England international’s name was called and he entered the game in the second half, some fans cheered and others jeered.

Former Hammer Declan Rice comes on to a mixture of boos and clapping from West Ham fans pic.twitter.com/BFsykqp4vD

— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) November 1, 2023

 

After defeating Arsenal 3-1 in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, the Hammers emerged victorious.

However, Rice expressed his satisfaction at being back at his old team on Instagram, where he has since sent a message to both sets of fans.

Arsenal was already behind 2-0 when the 24-year-old was brought on in the 57th minute, and three minutes later, Jarrod Bowen added to their misery by making it 3-0.

Rice was unable to muster any momentum for the Gunners to make a comeback, and Martin Odegaard’s goal in the 96th minute was merely solace.

After spending two years in the Irons’ youth system, the former West Ham captain played for the team for seven seasons, becoming one of the league’s best players before completing a move to Arsenal a few months ago.

He did not deserve to be booed after the services he rendered to the club, but as Hammers manager David Moyes pointed out, the fans that chose to boo him could have done so to put him off for the game.

The taunts did not seem to phase Rice, but he was unable to exert the kind of influence he would have liked because West Ham was too strong for their former captain.

Arsenal will be eager to get back on track and continue their unbeaten start to the 2023–24 Premier League season when they visit St. James Park to play Newcastle United on Saturday.