Declan Rice, the highly-regarded England midfielder, faces a stark reality: two seasons without a trophy sence his high-profile move from West Ham to arsenal. the transfer, completed in the summer of 2023, continues to be a talking point among fans, particularly those of his former club.

Academy Roots and Broken Hearts

Rice is undeniably a product of West Ham’s esteemed Academy of Football. He rose through the ranks to become captain, succeeding club legend Mark Noble. Though, his decision to join Arsenal broke West Ham hearts, a sentiment that lingers among the fanbase.

The move hasn’t been without its critics. West Ham supporters often remind Rice of their disappointment when the two teams meet, chanting, You should have signed for a big club. This taunt reflects arsenal’s recent struggles, including their Champions League exit.

A Missed Prospect?

Following Arsenal’s champions League elimination, some observers speculated whether Rice questioned his decision, wondering if a move to Manchester City would have been a better choice. The allure of guaranteed silverware is a powerful draw for any ambitious player.

Loyalty Remains

Despite the perceived disappointment, a strong connection persists between Rice and the West Ham faithful. There is an undeniable love for Rice that still sits with the Hammers fanbase as a whole, and its a love that is shared by the player himself.

Irrespective of his current allegiance, Rice maintains close ties with his former club. He regularly talks to many of the players and staff, fueling speculation about a potential return to West Ham later in his career.

Claret and Blue Forever?

Sources suggest that preliminary discussions have taken place between Rice and West Ham, indicating that despite wearing Arsenal’s red, he still very much only bleeds claret & Blue.