Declan Rice has made it official. He's made the switch to England. This hurts worse, much worse, than the Jack Grealish news because Rice's potential is so obvious and he actually fecking played for Ireland at senior level. Rice made his final appearance in a green shirt when he was only 19, and still made quite an impact - three appearances in friendlies, two Man of the Match vases, U17 player of the year, U19 player of the year.
To be viewed through gritted teeth - we present the highlights of Declan Rice's brief, accomplished and massively depressing Ireland career.
February 2015: Rice's first squad portrait, when he was in the U16s
October 2017: Rice appears for Ireland U21s vs Norway aged 18
March 2018: Rice is named Ireland's Under 19 International Player of the Year
March 2018: Rice wins his first Ireland cap, starting in a friendly against Turkey which we lose
Rice is got emotional during the rendition of Amhran na bhFiann.
"It brought a little bit of a tear to my eye singing it and (remembering) my nana and grandad. It was a
special moment".
Even during the build-up to the match, however, there was a feeling that Rice's allegiance was not certain.
"There’s no decision to be made," Rice said at the time.
March 2018: Rice stars as Ireland beat Azerbaijan in U21 Euro qualifying
He also posed for a photo with an Irish West Ham fan.
May 2018: Rice earns his second Ireland cap against France. Ireland lose again.
June 2018: Rice is named man of the match in Ireland's 1-1 draw with the USA.
Rice was asked by the media after about quotes from West Ham owner David Gold claiming Rice should play for England:
“I’m not going to take too much from it. He can say that and that’s his opinion, but I’m here tonight and I’m playing for Ireland. I’m just focused on that.”
Today we know how the story ended. Unfortunately this birthday tweet made no impact in the end.
