West Ham fans strongly disagree with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s Declan Rice claim
West Ham supporters hold differing opinions from Mikel Arteta regarding their sentiments about ex-captain Declan Rice.
This summer, the England player transitioned from East London to North London, moving from the Hammers to Arsenal for a significant fee of £105 million.
Since joining the Gunners, Rice has been exceptionally impressive and swiftly cemented his position as a crucial figure on Arteta’s team, becoming a pivotal name on the team sheet week after week.
Having started in all 10 of Arsenal’s league matches and participating in all three Champions League fixtures thus far, the ex-Hammer was anticipated to take a break during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup encounter against his former team.
However, Arteta has now conceded that it’s probable the midfielder will indeed take part in the fourth-round clash at the London Stadium.
“He’s likely. He’s fit and can be involved. It will be his first time back at his old club and a beautiful moment I think for him,” the Arsenal boss explained. Arteta was then asked if Rice playing against his former side would actually serve as an advantage to the Gunners.
The Spaniard claimed: “I think it’s beautiful. I had the experience to do it a few times and then you really see what they think of you and what you left at the club. It’s a really good way to measure your experience and your reality within the reality of the people who share moments with you.”
Speculation regarding the reception Declan Rice will receive upon returning to the London Stadium since his move to Arsenal has sparked ongoing debates. Arteta, when asked about his thoughts on the matter, has expressed notable optimism.
In response to whether he believes Rice will be warmly welcomed by the West Ham supporters, Arteta said: “I would say so. I hope so. Especially, every time you hear him talk about West Ham and what they did for him and everybody at the club, he cannot talk any higher, so hopefully they will be the same way towards him.”
The prevailing sentiment among Hammers fans on social media contradicts Arteta’s belief. It appears that a reception of boos and jeers isn’t the preferred course of action, as the plan seems to involve giving Rice the cold shoulder.
Expressing this sentiment, one West Ham fan wrote, when asked about the kind of reception they’d give their former captain: “None at all. Bloke wanted out, he’s gone. Not our problem anymore.” Another added: “I don’t need to give him any reception I gave him 100% support when he was at West Ham now he’s a Gunner he’s just the opposition. My support is exclusively for the boys in claret and blue.”
A slightly more diplomatic Hammers supporter claimed: “If Declan Rice plays tomorrow night I think the one thing we can all agree on is there will be a mixed reception. Some will applaud some will boo and some won’t care. Your choice. Let’s just make sure Arsenal are out of the cup at the end of the night and get behind the team.”
The true reception to Rice’s return will unfold in due time, but once the match kicks off, his concern is unlikely to be the crowd sentiment. His primary focus will be on defeating his former team and progressing in the cup.
West Ham fans strongly disagree with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s Declan Rice claim