Declan Rice has admitted he was left devastated by West Ham United’s relegation despite celebrating Premier League title success with Arsenal on the same day.
The midfielder endured mixed emotions on Sunday as Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park while his former club dropped into the Championship.
West Ham defeated Leeds United 3-0 at the London Stadium, but results elsewhere condemned them to relegation after Tottenham Hotspur secured victory over Everton.
The Hammers finished 18th in the table and will now play in the Championship for the first time since 2011.
Rice, who captained West Ham before joining Arsenal in a £105m move in 2023, was visibly emotional after learning of the club’s fate.
Television footage showed the Arsenal midfielder shaking his head in frustration shortly before the title celebrations began in South London.
Rice later addressed the situation publicly in a heartfelt message on social media.
“I’m absolutely gutted to see West Ham relegated,” he wrote.
“A club that really does mean so much to me.”
“As I said before, I would not 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.”
Rice spent seven years in West Ham’s first team and made 245 appearances for the club before departing for Arsenal two summers ago.
The England international also captained the Hammers to the Europa Conference League title in 2023 before his move across London.
His emotional reaction underlined the close connection he still maintains with the club despite now becoming one of the key figures in Arsenal’s title-winning side.
West Ham’s relegation is expected to trigger major changes behind the scenes this summer.
Reports suggest the club are considering the future of Nuno Espirito Santo after the disappointing campaign, while a major squad rebuild is also anticipated.
Several senior players could leave as the club attempt to balance finances following relegation from the Premier League.
Rice, meanwhile, will now quickly switch focus back towards Arsenal’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain later this week.
The midfielder has already played a major role in Arsenal ending their 22-year wait for the Premier League title and will hope to help deliver a historic European crown in Budapest.