‘Declan Rice is not bigger than West Ham’ says a bullish David Moyes as the boss lays out his growth plans following the Arsenal move.
Today marks a sad day for West Ham as Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal is officially confirmed.
As Arsenal fans take great delight in snatching away West Ham’s crown jewel, it will cut many Hammers fans deep.
And while there has never been a great rivalry between West Ham and Arsenal, seeing Rice in the red white of the Gunners will be tough to take.
Especially after it became known that Rice had made it clear he ‘only wanted to join Arsenal’.
Make no mistake Rice will be an immense signing for Arsenal. It’s churlish to suggest otherwise.
‘Declan Rice is not bigger than West Ham’ says bullish David Moyes as boss lays out growth plans following Arsenal move
Hammers supporters have been here before, many times. It is not the first time they have had to say goodbye to a cherished academy graduate or star player as they join a rival club. And it almost certainly won’t be the last.
It would be easy for fans to allow themselves to be dragged down by goading Gunners and be pessimistic about the future following Rice’s departure.
For West Ham focus must now shift to who David Moyes and Tim Steidten bring in to replace their former talisman.
And that is certainly the case as far as the manager is concerned it seems.
‘Rice is not bigger than West Ham’ says bullish Moyes as the boss lays out growth plans following Arsenal move.
Bidding farewell to his captain, Moyes praised and thanked Rice.
‘Our entire focus now is on building and adding to our talented squad’
But he also called for a dose of reality over his departure, reminding fans West Ham are a ‘huge club’ and that is always most important over any individual player.
Moyes also insisted full focus is now on replacing Rice and growing the club.
“I’d like to personally thank Declan for everything he has done during his time at West Ham United,” Moyes said in the statement.
“Obviously it is sad when we say goodbye to someone who has been with us for so long but we must now look forward.
“West Ham United is a huge club and, as history shows, no player is ever bigger than the club. Our entire focus now is on building upon the success we enjoyed last season, adding to our talented UEFA Europa Conference League title winning squad as we enter our third consecutive season in Europe, and continuing to develop the best young talent through our successful Academy.”
Well said that man.
MORE WEST HAM NEWS
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