I love playing for West Ham, says captain Rice

2 years ago 73

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Declan Rice celebrates with the Europa Conference League trophy

Declan Rice says he loves playing for West Ham - amid speculation he could have played his last game for the club after helping them end a 43-year wait for a major trophy.

The 24-year-old England midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from London Stadium.

"At the moment there's a lot of speculation going on about my future," Rice told BT Sport after lifting his first major trophy.

"There is interest from other clubs but ultimately I still have two years left at West Ham.

"I love this club and I love playing for this club."

Rice added: "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?"

Before their Europa Conference League semi-final second-leg win at AZ Alkmaar, West Ham manager David Moyes said there was "a good chance" Rice will leave during the close season.

Rice has rejected all efforts to get him to sign a contract extension amid interest from virtually all of England's top clubs.

The midfielder's contract is set to expire in 2024, although the Hammers have an option to extend that by a further year.

'I'd give anything to help this club win'

On Wednesday, Rice became the first West Ham captain to win a European trophy since England's Bobby Moore lifted the Cup Winners' Cup in 1965.

In lifting silverware, he has also emulated club great Billy Bonds, who led the Hammers to the FA Cup in 1975 and 1980.

"To be even in that conversation [alongside Moore and Bonds] is crazy," added Rice.

"I've given my heart playing for this club over the past 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, I don't want to say too much. I'll get too excited."

More to follow.

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