Arsenal star Declan Rice has posted a six-word message to his former club West Ham United on a very special day.
It is fair to say Declan Rice has divided opinion among West Ham fans since leaving for Arsenal.
Supporters had known for some time – and made peace with the fact – he was going to leave West Ham last summer.
But many Hammers fans were angered by their captain’s decision to snub Man City for London rivals Arsenal.
Rice did not improve the mood around his departure when he said he was leaving West Ham for Arsenal to ‘compete for and win the biggest trophies around’.
West Ham fans being mercilessly taunted by some of their Arsenal counterparts about luring their captain away ever since hasn’t helped either.
Rice – as West Ham fans knew would be the case – has been an absolute revelation for the Gunners.
The midfield ace helped Mikel Arteta’s side go close to winning the Premier League title.
It was a case of close but no cigar for Rice and Arsenal, though, as they ended the season with the same number of trophies as West Ham – zero.
One year on since that night in Prague
The last taste of a major trophy for Rice came of course with the Hammers.
And that was exactly a year ago today – June 7th 2023.
West Ham had waited 43 long years for a piece of major silverware as Rice led them to that unforgettable 2-1 win over Fiorentina in Prague.
It is an occasion that will live long in the memories of everyone connected with West Ham.
It sealed Rice’s place in Hammers history, whether Arsenal like it or not.
And until Rice wins a trophy or two with Arsenal, West Ham fans will always have one up on their north London rivals.
The vast majority of West Ham fans still hold Rice in high regard.
Whatever your view of him, he has made it clear on several occasions he will always love the Hammers and their fans.
Now Arsenal star Rice has posted a six-word message to West Ham on this special day.
Rice posts six-word message to West Ham on special day
West Ham related social media has been awash with videos, pictures and memories from the Europa Conference League victory today, one year on.
They are memories which Rice has made clear he will cherish forever.
Taking to his Instagram Stories, Rice posted a picture from West Ham of him lifting the trophy on the pitch in Prague with his Hammers teammates.
The image was captioned: ‘We know what we are”.
And alongside a heart emoji, Rice said: “One year ago today. Memories forever.”
That’s a touch of class from Rice.
He could have just ignored the fact today was one year on from his greatest achievement, especially as it might irk a few at Arsenal.
But he has stayed true to himself by posting it because he clearly does care about West Ham.
Now the dust has well and truly settled on his departure, we can look back and say West Ham did not do too badly with the Rice money did they?
Credit where it’s due to classy Rice
The Hammers spent the £105m from Arsenal expertly well, bringing in Mohammed Kudus for £38m, Edson Alvarez for £34m and Konstantinos Mavropanos for £17.5m.
Kudus is already said to be attracting plenty of interest from Europe’s elite.
But West Ham are said to be uninterested in selling for any less than £100m before his £85m release clause kicks in next summer.
Alvarez instantly became a fundamental player and will be so again next season after appearing to commit his future to West Ham this week.
The jury is still out on Mavropanos but with a better defender alongside him, he could flourish next season.
Now sit back and enjoy West Ham stars recounting that unforgettable night in Prague below.