November 01, (THEWILL) – Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice, is set for an emotional return to his boyhood club, West Ham United, on Wednesday night, as the two sides meet at London Stadium in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The 24-year-old will be making his first appearance at the ground since his £105 million transfer to Arsenal in the summer, bringing to an end his 10-year association with the Hammers. The England international rose through the West Ham Academy after joining at age 14 in 2015, going on to make 245 senior appearances and captaining the side to their first European trophy in 58 years last season, as they won the Europa Conference League.
Ahead of Rice’s eagerly-anticipated return, West Ham manager David Moyes has called on fans to give their former captain a warm welcome back to east London. “This is the man who lifted the first European trophy in 58 years at West Ham United, so he should be welcomed back with open arms,” Moyes said.
“He was a brilliant member of the team and conducted himself impeccably as our captain. I hope he gets the reception he deserves.”
It remains to be seen whether Rice will start the cup tie, with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta expected to rotate his squad. Still, regardless of his role, an emotional evening awaits the lifelong Hammer when he steps back onto the London Stadium pitch in Arsenal colours for the first time on Wednesday night.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
