Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has praised West Ham in Arsenal’s official Declan Rice announcement on Saturday afternoon.
West Ham have officially announced Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal and the player has penned an emotional farewell to the club.
David Sullivan has had his say, making it clear West Ham did not want to sell Rice to Arsenal or indeed anyone.
It has not gone unnoticed by Arsenal, their fans and the media that there was no mention of the Gunners in any of the official confirmation statements.
Arsenal fans have been taking great delight in snatching away West Ham’s crown jewel. And the move has cut many Hammers fans deep, even if there has never been a great rivalry between West Ham and Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta praises West Ham in Arsenal’s official Declan Rice announcement
Especially after it became known that Rice had made it clear he ‘only wanted to join Arsenal’.
One of the big reasons Rice wanted to join the Gunners – besides remaining in London – was Mikel Arteta.
Danny Murphy recently revealed Rice told him ‘Arteta was magic’ and he was ‘buzzing’ to get started with Arsenal.
The long, drawn out nature of the deal between West Ham and Arsenal led to reports of relations becoming fractious.
Particularly as the delay has impacted West Ham’s own summer transfer activity – according to none other than David Moyes himself yesterday.
That was reinforced by West Ham omitting any mention of Arsenal in their own announcement.
But the Gunners manager had nothing but good things to say about the Hammers.
‘A very good West Ham side’
Arteta praises West Ham in Arsenal’s official Rice announcement.
The Spaniard says Rice has proved he is top quality by captaining a ‘very good West Ham team’. And he also highlighted West Ham’s recent European success too.
“We’re really happy that Declan is joining us,” Arteta said.
“He is a player with tremendous ability, who has been performing at a high level in the Premier League and for England for a number of seasons now. Declan is bringing undoubted quality to the club and he is an exceptional talent who has the potential to be very successful here.
“Declan has great experience in the Premier League at only 24 years old. He has captained a very good West Ham team and as we all saw, he recently lifted a European trophy. The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”
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