West Ham boss, David Moyes has urged the Hammers fans to be cordial with the former club captain Declan Rice ahead of their Carabao Cup encounter with Arsenal in the fourth round on Wednesday.
Rice made 204 appearances for West Ham between 2015 and 2023, and led the side to their first ever European trophy in more than 50 years when West Ham beat Fiorentina 2-1 in June to win the Europa Conference League trophy, but the midfielder made a £105m summer move to Arsenal.
The 24-year-old has made an enviable start to life at Emirates, with his most recent contribution to the team being a goal against Chelsea that initiated Arsenal’s comeback to drawing 2-2.
As West Ham prepare to welcome the Gunners to the London Stadium, Moyes has appealed to the home fans to hand their former captain a friendly reception.
“You’ve got to remember this is the man who lifted this club’s first European trophy in more than 50 years,” Moyes said.
“He should be welcomed back with open arms. We’re all looking forward to seeing him again.
“He was a brilliant member of the team. He led the team brilliantly well. He conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham captain and as a player.
“The most important thing was that he gave 100% in every game, even though we sort of knew he probably wasn’t going to stay at West Ham.
“He conducted himself brilliantly well and for that alone he deserves to be cheered.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Dec again. I’ve not seen him since he left. I don’t know if I want him to play, but I hope he’s there.”
Rice didn’t feature for Arsenal in their previous round that saw them edge Brentford 1-0. He is however, likely to start on Wednesday.
“It will be his first time back at his old club and a beautiful moment for him,” Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta said.
“I had a chance to do it a few times and then you really see what they think of you and what you left at the club.
“Every time you hear him talk about West Ham and what they did for him and everybody at the club, he cannot talk any higher of them, so hopefully they will be the same way towards him.”
