West Ham were relegated to the Championship on Sunday at the end of what's been a disastrous season, and Declan Rice has made his feelings clear in a post on Instagram
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 10: Declan Rice of Arsenal applauds the fans prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on May 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Declan Rice still has an affinity with West Ham(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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Arsenal star Declan Rice says that he's 'absolutely gutted' after former club West Ham were relegated from the Premier League. The Irons will play in the Championship next season after finishing 18th under Nuno Espirito Santo, who is now facing the sack.
Sunday's 3-0 win at home to Leeds was rendered useless after Tottenham secured their survival with victory over Everton. Rice, who left West Ham to join Arsenal for a British-record £105million in 2023, was seen reacting angrily after hearing the news of his old side's relegation shortly after he helped Arsenal beat Crystal Palace.
Now, the England international has taken to Instagram to express his disappointment while backing West Ham to bounce back next season. On his story, Rice wrote: "I'm absolutely gutted to see West Ham relegated.
"A club that really does mean so much to me. As I said before, I wouldn't be where I am today without everything the club has done for me.
"With that being said, I have no doubt they will be back where they belong in the Premier League in no time. I will be supporting always."
The 27-year-old added a red heart emoji to hammer home the emotion of his message. By contrast, Rice has had a phenomenal season, driving Arsenal to the Premier League title as well as the Champions League final.
But the midfielder will always credit West Ham as the bedrock for his career. The Irons picked Rice up as a teenager after he was let go by Chelsea, and he went on to captain the club during his decade-long stay.
Declan Rice Instagram
Declan Rice posted a heartfelt message(Image: Instagram/declanrice)
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The Arsenal star reacted angrily to hearing about West Ham's relegation
The Arsenal star reacted angrily to hearing about West Ham's relegation
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Rice explained to Channel 4 shortly after leaving the London Stadium: "It was definitely the hardest decision I've had to make so far in football. Everyone knows my love for West Ham still even now. But overall it was a fairytale ending for me (winning the Conference League).
"I was obviously released at 14, went to West Ham, signed a two-year deal and once everything clicked in terms of my growth spurt, realised what position I am, put myself in a position where it was all or nothing really.
"I was kept in and around the first-team and once I made my debut I've not looked back since. I can't explain the feelings, you know people leave clubs and you know they lose affiliation with that club."