The parents of West Ham United star Declan Rice have sent a touching message to their son ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2020 final.
The West Ham talisman is set to follow in the footsteps of Hammers legends Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters by playing for England in a major final when he faces Italy on Sunday night.
And everyone connected with West Ham will be willing the midfielder on to return to Rush Green as a champion having lifted England’s first major trophy since 1966.
Now two of the most influential and important people in the West Ham star’s life – his parents Stephanie and Sean – have sent him an emotional message ahead of the big game (The Telegraph).
“Son, we knew you were special very early on,” Stephanie and Sean Rice told The Telegraph.
‘You have never stopped working so hard to fulfill your dream’
“You used to kick footballs in the snow barefoot aged three and we could never get you to come indoors. Every summer holiday abroad you would be playing football from 8am to 10pm at night and even used to captain the waiters’ five-a-side team in the evenings, aged eight!
“You have never stopped working so hard to fulfill your dream. We love you so much – you’ve made us so proud.”
While Rice has been away at Euro 2020, West Ham fans have had to contend with fresh speculation over his club future.
Fresh club future speculation came at a bad time but focused Rice will rise above it
The Telegraph ran an exclusive last week claiming Rice has turned down two offers of new contracts from West Ham.
And the Hammers midfielder has reportedly asked the club to keep him informed of any bids.
That has – inevitably – sparked increased speculation Rice will leave West Ham with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool linked.
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