Declan Rice has left an interesting warning to West Ham United as he sent a farewell to the fans ahead of his move to Arsenal.
After weeks of waiting for it to finally happen, West Ham announced on Saturday morning that their captain was leaving the club for a British record fee.
The Hammers did manage to sneak one dig in at Arsenal after refusing to name the team that their midfielder is heading to in their statement.
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That's reportedly to do with the fact that the delay for the transfer was on the Gunners' end and has stopped David Moyes' side getting on with their pre-season plans.
No doubt leaving the London Stadium will be emotional for the 24-year-old, whose last act at the club was helping lead them to Europa Conference League success.
He left with an open letter to the supporters, saying: "I wanted to speak to you personally and directly, from the heart, to share my thoughts now that my departure from West Ham United has been confirmed.
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"The last few days and weeks have been an absolute whirlwind of emotion, but it is important to me that I have the opportunity to say goodbye and reflect on what has been such a special and memorable part of my life..."
However, amongst all the gratitude and niceties the fans were struck with the reality that they'll soon see their hero face their team.
That's because Rice left them with a warning he'll be going full pelt against his former side, adding: "I want you to know how tough a decision it has been for me to leave an environment that I have loved and cherished so much.
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"Ultimately, though, it has only ever been about my ambition to play at the very highest level of the game.
"Playing on the opposite team to West Ham for the first time will be an unusual experience. I’m not sure yet exactly how I will feel, but I also know you will all understand and respect that my professional loyalties have to now lie with my new Club.
"I will always give 100% every single time I pull on the shirt – because that is how I have been brought up at West Ham, and I’m sure you wouldn’t expect anything else.
“However, that does not mean my love and respect for you all has been diminished in any way.”
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It'll be a while until the two sides actually meet in the Premier League, with their first fixture set for Boxing Day and Hammers fans will be able to welcome the England star back to the London Stadium on the weekend of February 10th.
Topics: Arsenal, Declan Rice, West Ham United, Premier League, Transfers
Ryan Sidle