Declan Rice has come in for extremely harsh criticism from some Arsenal fans this season, something he never experienced at West Ham.
Many West Ham fans feel somewhat conflicted over Declan Rice since he left to join London rivals Arsenal.
Even if there is no great rivalry between the Hammers and Gunners, it still stung.
Especially after it emerged he pushed to join Arsenal over Man City and held secret talks with Mikel Arteta in the December before he left the Hammers.
By the same token Rice left West Ham on the ultimate high note – by leading the club to its first major trophy for 43 years.
Despite some Arsenal fans questioning his £105m price tag initially, Rice soon won them over last season by continuing to show his West Ham form in the red and white.
This season has been very different, though.
It’s become clear that the honeymoon was well and truly over for Rice at Arsenal as some fans started to turn on the midfielder.
Of course every fanbase, including those among the Hammers faithful, has a fickle minority.
But Rice was very much the golden boy at West Ham and could do no wrong – because he rarely ever did.
The England midfielder is struggling for his best form this season and has become a target for some. Arteta has been criticised for trying to use him in different roles too.
West Ham fans will love what Rice posted after Arsenal win
With Man City falling off a cliff, many Gunners supporters are angry their side have not taken advantage to get a firm grip on a first title in 21 years.
Liverpool are taking that opportunity instead.
There has been stinging criticism from some Arsenal fans of Rice.
Rice was even given a cruel new Arsenal nickname earlier this month.
It has made it clear that he doesn’t have the unconditional love at the Emirates that he enjoyed at West Ham.
Most Hammers fans still love and respect Rice greatly.
He has handled himself well when facing West Ham with his new team and speaks lovingly about his old club in interviews and on social media.
Now West Ham fans will love what Rice posted after Arsenal’s win last night and it proves one thing.
Rice has made it perfectly clear he will always love the Hammers on multiple occasions.
Rice’s West Ham bond will never break
He remains great friends with West Ham legend and sporting director Mark Noble and the likes of Jarrod Bowen.
Notably, Rice has also refused to kiss the Arsenal badge like he did West Ham’s.
Now he has showed his affection for the Hammers once again.
Arsenal played Ipswich last night and laboured to a 1-0 win over the Premier League strugglers.
Rice was subbed off late on in the game.
Afterwards he was reunited with former West Ham teammates Ben Johnson and David Martin – who are both at Ipswich.
And he took to social media with a message and picture specifically for West Ham fans to enjoy.
Rice posted a picture with his arms around fellow former Hammers favourites Martin and Johnson alongside the message: “So good to see these two. Unbelievable memories with them.”
Rice post proves he’ll always be a Hammer at heart
That’s like food for the soul for West Ham fans to see.
Here is Rice after an important win for Arsenal and his first thought is to post about his Hammers reunion.
It proves he will always be West Ham at heart.
The guy bleeds claret and blue and his move to Arsenal will never change that.
Rice’s post will bring back special memories for West Ham fans.
Memories of a period where the supporters shared an incredible connection with the players and team representing them.
That’s something which is sadly missing right now under Julen Lopetegui.
Bar Jarrod Bowen, West Ham fans are finding it extremely difficult to relate to the team they’re watching on the pitch nowadays.
And they’re certainly missing Rice more than ever in the middle of the park.
Hopefully the connection with West Ham’s new-look team and manager will come with time.
Meanwhile, Hammers supporters can at least reminisce thanks to Rice’s feel-good social media post.
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