Arsenal star Declan Rice picked up the London Footballer of the Year award but it had just as much to do with his time with West Ham.
Declan Rice certainly had an eventful year in 2023 both with West Ham and then Arsenal.
Rice helped turn West Ham’s season around in the Premier League.
And the midfield ace then led the Hammers to a first major trophy for 43 years with that unforgettable Europa Conference League triumph in June.
Rice named London Footballer of the Year
A month later he signed for West Ham’s London rivals Arsenal in a £105m deal.
The ex Hammers skipper has become an instant hit with the Gunners. Just as West Ham fans told their sceptical rivals he would as many questioned his lofty transfer fee.
The England man picked up the London Footballer of the Year award on Thursday night.
Rice says Arsenal goal trumps captaining Hammers to major trophy
On receiving his gong, the 25-year-old was asked a question to name the highlight of his last year at club level.
Many of those in the crowd at the awards ceremony shouted ‘Trophy with West Ham’ as a suggested answer.
But Arsenal star Rice named his highlight of the last year and West Ham fans won’t believe what he said.
Despite leading the club where he came through the ranks from the age of 14 to that European trophy, Rice said scoring the winner for Arsenal against Man United was his personal highlight of the last year.
You can see footage of Rice’s quite staggering answer to that question in the post below.
Rice answer will irritate many West Ham fans
During the awards Rice also stated that he feels ‘honoured’ to play for the Gunners.
His choice of highlight will no doubt irritate many West Ham fans.
There was mutual respect between most Hammers fans and Rice when he returned with Arsenal last month.
Rice refused to celebrate after scoring a stunning goal to round off Arsenal’s 6-0 win at the London Stadium.
And he was applauded off the pitch by the West Ham fans who remained in the ground.
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