Triple H, a 14-time WWE world champion, is a big fan of the Hammers and has taken a strong interest in Rice’s next move. The 21-year-old joined West Ham in 2014 but has been linked with a return to Chelsea, who released him as a 14-year-old.
Editors’ Picks
- Former Nigeria youth goalkeeper Felagha dies in Senegal
- Calenda claims Barcelona wanted Osimhen to replace Suarez
- Doherty’s arrival shouldn’t be the end for Aurier at Spurs
- Atletico Madrid star Partey keen to join Arteta’s Arsenal revolution
Contracted at London Stadium until 2024, Rice would have to personally approve any transfer in the near future and Triple H has strongly urged the midfielder to remain at West Ham and become a club hero.
“Declan you’ve got big decisions ahead of you and I understand that, and far be it for me to tell you what to do, but I’d like to give you a point of view that sometimes in life there are more important things.
“Build your franchise, build your legacy, to become something more, to become the one and only, the first Declan Rice.
“Stay with the people that brought you to the dance, stay with West Ham and become the hero, become the champion, become everything that they all know Declan Rice can be.” Rice made 39 appearances in all competitions for David Moyes’ side last season, scoring once and contributing three assists.
He played every minute of the Hammers’ 2019-20 Premier League campaign and wore the captain’s armband four times as the club ultimately secured 16th place after briefly brushing with potential relegation.