Declan Rice explains 'tough decision' to leave in emotional goodbye to West Ham fans as exit confirmed

Declan Rice has issued an emotional “goodbye” to West Ham fans ahead of his imminent departure to Arsenal. The 24-year-old captained the Hammers to a first major European trophy since 1965 before agreeing a £105 million deal to leave the club he joined at the age of 14. Ad Rice explained how “tough” a decision it was in a lengthy open letter on the West Ham website and opened up on the reasons behind the move.

TransfersChelsea ready to move for Neymar if he does not join Barcelona — Paper Round14 HOURS AGO “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,” Rice wrote. “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.” He added: “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. 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.