ARSENAL superstar Declan Rice issued a classy message to former club West Ham despite getting booed by Hammers fans on Wednesday.
Rice returned to the London Stadium for the first time since his record £105million move to Arsenal last summer.
The star midfielder came off the bench in the 57th minute during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match.
However, that wasn’t a homecoming to be remembered as he was jeered by many home fans, who still haven’t forgiven him for joining their London rivals.
However, there was also a section of supporters who haven’t forgotten his eight-year contribution to the club and rose to their feet to applaud their former captain.
The East Londoners’ manager David Moyes urged the fans to show the 24-year-old the respect that he deserves before the match but there were some who didn’t take his advice.
Read More on Arsenal
The England international, though, wasn’t daunted by the boos as he took to Instagram after the match to issue a story of him showing appreciation to the West Ham faithful.
Rice accompanied the pic with the following message: “Despite the result, loved being back at the stadium & seeing so many familiar faces.
“Thank you West Ham fans for the reception. Will be forever grateful to all of you.
“Wish you all nothing but the best for the rest of the season. See you soon!”
Most read in Football
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
Rice’s homecoming really didn’t go the way he hoped as Arsenal were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
West Ham won 3-1 thanks to an own-goal by Ben White and goals by Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.
The North Londoners’ captain Martin Odegaard eased the blow for his team when he hit the back of the net during stoppage time.
Moyes’ men are now set for another difficult match in the competition as they will visit Liverpool in the quarter-finals on December 19.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
