West Ham fans should welcome ‘impeccable’ Declan Rice back with ‘open arms’ and will look ungrateful if they don’t says David Moyes.
West Ham boss David Moyes has left the club’s fans in no doubt as to the welcome they should give Declan Rice on his return with Arsenal.
West Ham welcome Arsenal to the London Stadium in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night.
And that means the return of former West Ham captain Rice for the first time since his £105m summer move to the Gunners.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta today confirmed Rice is in the mix to face his old club.
Arteta says Rice always talks highly of West Ham and is ready for a ‘beautiful moment’ as he hopes for a warm reception from his old supporters.
West Ham fans should welcome ‘impeccable’ Declan Rice back with ‘open arms’ and will look ungrateful if they don’t says David Moyes
But there is some uncertainty over the kind of welcome he will get from West Ham fans.
Moyes did not mince his words when asked what kind of reception he expects Rice will get from West Ham fans at the London Stadium.
“Well I hope he will be back because you’ve got to remember this is the man who lifted the first European trophy in 50 years so he should be welcomed back with open arms,” Moyes said in his pre-Arsenal presser, as broadcast on Sky Sports News at 3.10pm.
“We’re all looking forward to seeing him again. He was a brilliant member of the team, led the team brilliantly well, conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham captain and player in his time here.
‘For that alone he deserves to be cheered’
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Dec, I’ve not seen him since he left. I don’t know if I want him to play but I hope he’s there.
“I think if you see the way Dec conducted himself throughout (his time at West Ham, he shouldn’t get anything other than a good reception). He was involved with the supporters, he was always seen helping the club out when needed.
“And the most important thing was that he gave 100 per cent in every game even though we all sort of knew that he’d probably not be staying at West Ham.
“All credit to him, he conducted himself brilliantly well and for that alone he deserves to be cheered.”
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