Declan Rice's frustrations were palpable when he learned of West Ham's relegation during Arsenal's Premier League title celebrations on Sunday. Rice and Arsenal took centre stage at Selhurst Park to celebrate the club's first Premier League title win in 22 years following their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
But before heading back to the changing room to prepare for Arsenal's Premier League trophy lift on the pitch, Rice was seen checking the final scores to see whether West Ham had avoided the drop. West Ham did run out 3-0 winners at home to Leeds United, but the result did not save them as Spurs secured a 1-0 win against Everton to finish two points clear of safety in 17th place.
After seeing that West Ham's demotion to the Championship was sealed, Rice angrily slapped his hands together and walked away shaking his head. The moment was captured on video and shared widely on social media.
Rice's Emotional Connection to West Ham
Speaking before Arsenal's 1-0 win away to West Ham earlier this month, Rice highlighted how his former club played a key role in his career. 'It's a club that gave me everything,' Rice said. 'Without West Ham, there's no me and I honestly believe that. They gave me a chance when Chelsea didn't and a lot of people there really did push me on.'
He added: '[David] Moyes, Slaven Bilic, [Manuel] Pellegrini made me captain. Loads of good things about that club. It's not nice to see the position they're in, but it's football and I have a job to do on Sunday. We're trying to win a Premier League title and it's the business end of the season, so we want to win every game and I'm sure they want to win every game too. So, yeah, may the best team win.'
Title Triumph Amid Personal Disappointment
Arsenal's title win was a historic moment for the club, ending a 22-year drought. However, for Rice, the joy was bittersweet as he watched his boyhood club suffer relegation. The midfielder, who joined Arsenal from West Ham in 2023, has always maintained a strong bond with the Hammers.
West Ham's relegation was confirmed despite their victory over Leeds, as Tottenham's win over Everton ensured they stayed up. The result leaves West Ham facing an uncertain future in the Championship, while Rice looks ahead to Champions League football with Arsenal.
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