[Declan Rice](https://www.claretandhugh.info/declan-rice/) hasn’t always had the smoothest of rides with West Ham United supporters since his £105m move to Arsenal, but the former Hammers captain extended an olive branch of sorts this week with a classy gesture following his return to the scene of his greatest moment in claret and blue and arguably his career s far.
Rice played a key role in [Arsenal’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/arsenal-football-club-bio/) 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague — a victory that all but secured the Gunners’ place in the knockout stages. But it wasn’t just the result that caught the eye. For West Ham fans, it was the venue: Slavia’s Fortuna Arena, the very ground where Rice lifted the Europa Conference League trophy for us back in 2023.
Following the final whistle, Rice took to Instagram and posted a message clearly aimed at the West Ham faithful. “This exact end and stadium. The best memories here. Forever grateful,” he wrote — a rare public nod to the club that developed him into one of England’s best midfielders.
While some Hammers fans still feel aggrieved at the way Rice departed — not helped by his goal against West Ham in Arsenal colours last month — others may appreciate his tribute. It was, after all, Rice who lifted our first major trophy in over 40 years, and for many, that moment will never be forgotten.
With Arsenal chasing silverware on multiple fronts, Rice could be set to lift his first trophy since that unforgettable night in Prague. But it just goes to show, as well as the Gooners are doing this season, trophies are hard to come by as things stand, that Conference League medal is more than he’s won in s far in North London.