Following their return to London Stadium for the Camarabia Cup Round of 16 match, Declan Rice sends a message to Arsenal and West Ham United supporters.

Declan Rice, an Arsenal midfielder, made his first visit back to London Stadium last night since leaving West Ham United in the summer. The supporters’ reception of him was not entirely positive.

When his name was called and he entered the game in the second half, the England international was booed by some and cheered by others.

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With their 3-1 victory in the fourth round on Wednesday night, the Hammers eliminated Arsenal from the Carabao Cup, giving them the last laugh.

However, Rice expressed his satisfaction at being back at his old team on Instagram, where he has since sent a message to both sets of supporters.

                         

Arsenal was already behind 2-0 when the 24-year-old was brought on in the 57th minute, and three minutes later, Jarrod Bowen added to their misery by making it 3-0.

Rice was unable to muster any momentum for the Gunners to make a comeback, and Martin Odegaard’s goal in the 96th minute was merely solace.

After spending two years in the Irons’ youth system, the former West Ham captain played for the team for seven seasons, becoming one of the league’s best players before completing a move to Arsenal a few months ago.

He did not deserve to be booed after the services he rendered to the club, but as Hammers manager David Moyes pointed out, the fans that chose to boo him could have done so to put him off for the game.

Although Rice did not seem to be phased by the jeers, West Ham proved to be too much for their former captain, and Rice was unable to have the desired impact on the outcome.

In order to continue their winning ways and preserve their perfect start to the 2023–24 Premier League season, Arsenal will be eager to play Newcastle United when they return to action on Saturday at St James Park.