Declan Rice insists 'focus is playing for West Ham' amid transfer 'speculation' after Europa Conference League glory
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Updated 08/06/2023 at 11:54 GMT+1
West Ham captain Declan Rice has been strongly linked with a move away from the club this summer. But after guiding the club to the Europa Conference League trophy - the first silverware the club has tasted in 43 years, the England international insists his focus remains playing for the Hammers. Rice, who is just the third club captain to lift a trophy, is a reported target for Arsenal.
West Ham's Rice on 'boring' transfer speculation
An emotional Declan Rice insists his “focus is playing for West Ham” after becoming just the third club captain to lift a trophy with the Hammers.
Rice wiped away tears in the celebrations as West Ham defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in the Europa Conference League final to end a 43-year wait for a trophy.
He joins Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds as the only captains to have lifted major silverware with the east London club.
There has been widespread speculation that the England international has now played his final game for the club with Manchester United and Arsenal linked with a deal this summer.
"At the moment there's a lot of speculation going on about my future,” Rice told BT Sport.
“There is interest from other clubs but ultimately I still have two years left at West Ham.
“I love this club, I love playing for this club. There hasn't been nothing yet. My focus is playing for West Ham at the moment.
“I'm captain of this club and I can't speak highly enough of this place. Let's just see what happens. Let's wait and see. Who knows."
He added: "Without a doubt the best day in my career. It's not going to hit me to be honest with you. I'm just going to try and take this moment in."
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West Ham United FC captain Declan Rice celebrates with the trophy after his side's victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League Final 2022/23 match between ACF Fiorentina and West Ham United FC.
Image credit: Getty Images
On comparisons to the great Bobby Moore, Rice – who came through the club’s academy – said: "To be even in that conversation is crazy. I've given my heart playing for this club over the last six years. I'd give anything to help this club win.
“We've not had it easy. We've been facing relegation. To win this now, to be in that category potentially. I don't want to say too much. I'll get too excited."
Rice also paid tribute to boss David Moyes, who has faced pressure this season after poor form in the Premier League but becomes the first West Ham manager to lift a cup with the club since 1980.
"There have been times this year when he's been tested, there have been times this year when a lot of the fanbase wanted him out because of results,” said Rice.
“If you look at his time at this club, he's come in and saved us twice and then made Europe two years in a row. He's up there with the club's best managers of all time.”
And he had praise for the West Ham supporters, too.
"We got here two hours before and it was full. The fans, look at them. This is what it means to us and to me. I love this club, they've made me one of their own. I cannot describe what I feel when I talk about West Ham fans. I'm just so, so happy."
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