Any doubts that Arsenal star Declan Rice is still West Ham at heart can be put to bed after he watched the win over Wolves.
When West Ham’s former captain Declan Rice chose to sign for Arsenal over Man City, it didn’t go down particularly well with many Hammers fans.
It later emerged Rice and his camp had held private talks over a move to Arsenal midway through his last season.
The former West Ham skipper didn’t let that stop him leading the side to a first major trophy in 43 years, though.
That remains his only major trophy so far having left for Arsenal in pursuit of the top silverware in the game.
The real hero of that famous West Ham trophy win was of course Jarrod Bowen.
The Hammers forward is close with Rice from their West Ham days.
Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United FC celebrates the victory of UEFA Europa League trophy at the end of the UEFA Conference League fin...
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Arsenal’s Rice reacts after watching old team West Ham win
Even since Rice’s £105m move to Arsenal, the duo have remained good friends as is evident when they meet up with England.
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It is foolish and futile to suggest Rice didn’t take a step up by leaving West Ham for Arsenal last year.
Although Rice has recently discovered he will never have that same unconditional love with the Gunners like he did with the Hammers.
The kind of unconditional love Bowen is now basking in as a certified Irons legend.
Rice earned respected with the way he conducted himself before, during and after Arsenal’s 5-2 win over the Hammers 10 days ago.
Rice also sent a classy message to West Ham and Michail Antonio after his old teammate was involved in the horrific car crash which left him with a fracture.
Now he has proved he really is a Hammer at heart once again.
Arsenal’s Rice was blown away by ‘different’ West Ham star Bowen after watching his old team win against Wolves.
The Hammers secured a narrow 2-1 win and dedicated it to Antonio.
It was far from convincing in terms of the future of manager Julen Lopetegui.
One man Rice was convinced about, though, was Bowen.
Declan Rice of Arsenal looks on as he walks out of the tunnel through bubbles prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Arse...
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Arsenal’s Rice blown away by ‘different’ West Ham star Bowen
The Prague hero carried the team once again as he set up Tomas Soucek for the opener before scoring a fantastic winner himself.
Lopetegui quite literally has Bowen to thank for still being Hammers boss.
He may be challenging for the title with Arsenal now, bur Rice still makes time to watch his old team.
Bowen took to social media after the game to post a picture of him celebrating his winner by holding an Antonio shirt up to the crowd.
“A win that meant so much more,” Bowen said.
“We are all with you Michail Antonio.”
Rice responded to the post, saying: “Different class tonight Jaz, a pleasure to watch.”
Bowen Instagram post and Rice reply - Jarrod Bowen Instagram
Bowen Instagram post and Rice reply – Jarrod Bowen Instagram
After Arsenal’s recent win over the Hammers, Rice remarked it is ‘always nice’ to be back at his old club and see familiar faces.
The midfielder also made it clear before that game he will never celebrate against West Ham.
His respect levels for Bowen are a pleasure to see.
Especially as it is his Arsenal teammate, Bukayo Saka, with whom Bowen is in direct competition.
Many Hammers fans feel Bowen doesn’t get the credit and respect he deserves from outside the West Ham bubble.
But his recent goal for England when so many others – including Gunners star Saka – had pulled out of the squad has helped change that.
Now Rice is making sure everyone knows just how special Bowen is.
And West Ham fans will have great respect for him as a result.
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