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Declan Rice sends message to West Ham fans after London Stadium return

Declan Rice at Arsenal
© Ace Football
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The Arsenal midfielder returned to the London Stadium for the first time since leaving West Ham.

Declan Rice has thanked West Ham fans for their warm reception in their Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal.

Rice left West Ham to join Arsenal on a £105m deal in the summer transfer window. The England international played at London Stadium for the first time since the transfer when the Gunners faced West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

West Ham managed to knock Arsenal out of the competition with an impressive 3-1 victory. But Rice was, nonetheless, happy to be back at his former club’s stadium.

“Despite the result, loved being back at the stadium & seeing so many familiar faces,” Rice wrote in an Instagram story after the match.

“Thank you West Ham fans for the reception. Will be forever grateful to all of you. Wish you all nothing but the best for the rest of the season. See you soon!”

Rice was a key player for the Hammers during his lengthy spell at the club. Before the game, West Ham manager David Moyes urged home fans to treat the former player with respect. However, Rice was still booed by a limited section of the stadium when he appeared in front of the West Ham fans for the first time as an opponent.

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