Bitter West Ham fans defy David Moyes as they BOO Declan Rice ahead of Arsenal clash following £105m summer transfer
DECLAN RICE was booed by West Ham fans on his return to the London Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The England midfielder, 24, who started on the bench, arrived at Arsenal in the summer after leaving the Hammers for a huge £105million.
And some West Ham fans have clearly not taken his departure well as they jeered when he came on in the 57th minute of the Carabao Cup tie.
There was also applause from the home supporters, but it was undoubtedly mixed in with the boos.
That is despite Rice playing 245 games for the club and lifting the Europa Conference League as captain in his final game.
In the opening minutes of the game, Arsenal fans were also keen to goad the West Ham faithful as they chanted “Declan Rice, he left cos you’re s***”.
Ahead of Rice’s comeback, West Ham manager David Moyes called on the club’s fans to greet him warmly.
He said: “You’ve got to remember this is the man who lifted this club’s first European trophy in more than 50 years.
“He should be welcomed back with open arms. We’re all looking forward to seeing him again.
“He was a brilliant member of the team. He led the team brilliantly well. He conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham captain and as a player.”
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
Moyes went on to add: “I’m really looking forward to seeing Dec again. I’ve not seen him since he left. I don’t know if I want him to play, but I hope he’s there.
“The most important thing was that he gave 100 per cent in every game, even though we sort of knew he probably wasn’t going to stay at West Ham.
“So all credit to him. He conducted himself brilliantly well and for that alone he deserves to be cheered.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also insisted he was expecting Rice to receive a positive reception.
He said: “I would say so [that he will be warmly greeted]. I hope so.
“Every time you hear him talk about West Ham and what they did for him and everybody at the club, he cannot talk any higher, so hopefully they will be the same way towards him.”
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumours from the Emirates