David Sullivan, the owner of the Hammers, has officially announced the captain’s departure after cementing his legacy at the team with a Conference League victory. Declan Rice’s decision to accept the Conference League trophy in front of tens of thousands of West Ham supporters was the best possible one. Rice very definitely will part ways amicably with his present club.
The 24-year-old has joined two legends, Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, in the elite group of players to lead the Hammers to a significant victory at the conclusion of his one and only season as official club captain. Rice will always be remembered as a legendary West Ham player, no matter where he plays next season.
It was even more satisfying for West Ham fans to watch one of their own win the title. Rice has been a part of the squad since he was 14 years old, when he was released by Chelsea. Rice is evidence of what can be done when coaching meets commitment, passion, and skill, even though West Ham’s Academy of Football production line has slowed recently.
Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, and Glen Johnson all came through West Ham’s academy throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, and they all went on to have successful careers that were replete with medals. Rice stands out as the team’s most crucial player in years since they all won their titles elsewhere, unlike Rice who did. They will sincerely miss him.
After the game, when asked whether it was his last appearance, Rice refrained to say so, presumably not wanting to ruin West Ham’s biggest celebration in decades, although the truth has been known for some time. The next season, he will play elsewhere.
It’s Unlikely That Moyes Will Go Right Now
Above all, it was a memorable evening for all West Ham players, not just the one wearing No. 41. Jarrod Bowen, the game’s winner, emerged as the club’s progress poster boy throughout Moyes’ second term. Michail Antonio has devoted 10 years of his professional life to West Ham. Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal won a crucial title in the stadium that was their previous second home.
And for Moyes, who preserved his position despite a difficult Premier League season and given his managers every reason to believe in him. It was difficult not to feel delighted for the Scot as he danced happily on the pitch in front of West Ham fans who will always hold him in high respect.
The most touching part of the post-game festivities was when Moyes carefully handed his father David Sr., 87, his winning medal, which had been his only one in almost 1,000 games as a manager.
Moyes has just as much right to it as anybody else.
Like Rice, he also has power over his own destiny; according to Sullivan, “as long as he wants to be the manager, he will be the manager of West Ham.” After overseeing one of the greatest evenings in West Ham’s history, it’s hard to think he won’t be returning for the next year.
