If you ask most football fans in this part of the world for their opinion on Declan Rice, odds are a good portion of them would say some less than complimentary things about the midfielder.
His history with Ireland is well known, making three appearances for the country at senior level before turning his back on them when an offer from England came along. As a result, his loyalty is often questioned.
Of course, West Ham fans have a very different opinion of him. Rice joined the club's academy as a 14-year old, progressing through their ranks before recently being named as club captain.
He has been linked with a move away from the London side for some time now, although a transfer has yet to materialise. However, some comments he made this morning have lead to some of the club's fans questioning his loyalty.
West Ham fans react to Declan Rice comments
Declan Rice appeared on media duty in Qatar this morning, where a question was asked about his ambitions over the coming seasons.
During his answer, the 23-year old heavily hinted that he saw himself leaving West Ham in the near future.
🗣 "You only get one career. At the end of you want to look back at what you've won."
Declan Rice outlines his ambition to win the biggest trophies and play in the best competitions pic.twitter.com/bDI7x5GtyR— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 1, 2022
For the last two or three years I have been saying that. I have been playing consistently well for the club and I feel like I want to keep pushing.
I see my friends here who are playing in the Champions League and winning big trophies. You only get one career and at the end of it you look back at what you won and the big games that you played in.
I'm really ambitious and I really want to do that.
It has been widely reported that this will be Rice's last season with The Hammers, although some of the club's supporters had hoped that they could convince him to stay for a bit longer.
While there has long been an acceptance that he would move on at some point, many are not impressed with the way he is conducting himself at the moment.
If the club doesn’t fine Declan Rice and strip him of the arm band then they all need to sell their stakes. You can not have the captain of your club openly talk about his desire to leave. No wonder the players aren’t putting in a shift with him as captain.
— 𝐹𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝐵𝑜𝓁𝑒𝓎𝓃 (@foreverboleyn__) December 1, 2022
I wish it wasn't the case, but my respect for #declanrice is starting to ebb away. Everyone is entitled to personal ambition. But go about it in a way that shows respect to the fans of your current club. Who pay your wages.
— East London Rocks (@RejectTrump24) December 1, 2022
I accept that #declanrice wants to play CL etc. But there is a time/place to say that. Probably not smart to do so when your team is sitting 1 point above the bottom 3 @davidgold @westham @karren_brady @jsullivanwhu Not very 'captain' like.
— East London Rocks (@RejectTrump24) December 1, 2022
it’s not great timing tho is it when your club captain comes out with that message. hardly going to inspire the lads to kick on second half of the season
— Jackson⚒❤️ (@jacksonbrigga) December 1, 2022
That said. I'm not overly impressed by him saying this when away with England, half way through a season where we are really struggling and he is captain. No need.
— Martin Blow (@Blowmonkey1) December 1, 2022
I agree...
We all know @_DeclanRice is going to leave, he wants bigger and better and we can't hold him back, but I think speaking about this away on international duty and whilst captain of this club I don't really appreciate that.— #GSBOUT Mark Le Masurier (@MarkWHUFC88) December 1, 2022
Thanks @_DeclanRice for making it official that you're definitely a wantaway player 😭.
— ⚒Noblewoman_Markella COYI⚒ (@noble_rightfoot) December 1, 2022
It has upset me tbf , so proud of him playing for England,but to say we are going nowhere as a club is quite hurtful
— Jayne Johnston 🧩 (@Jaynejon) December 1, 2022
I think @_DeclanRice was wrong for answering the question. It’s the middle of the World Cup. That’s where his focus should 100% be. Not his future for club. A captain shouldn’t be talking about things like this in the middle of the season after a poor start. Wish him well though
— Daniel ⚒ (@DanielCutter) December 1, 2022
@_DeclanRice I am ok with being ambitious but never forget that you play in the Premier League and with England because of West Ham.
Tell the team that you and the they need to work harder so that you can play in Europe with us.
The club have splashed the cash. Now do your bit.— Dominic Vella (@DominicVella) December 1, 2022
The timing of his comments are certainly not ideal, with the player now away on international duty and West Ham's season having been very underwhelming up to this point.
It will be interesting to see how he handles his exit when it does eventually come around. History suggests that it may not be done in the most gracious of manners.
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