Sir Trevor Brooking shared that he thought West Ham teenager Declan Rice was capable of making big career decisions by himself while raving about his potential.
The Hammers legend delivered his verdict on the 19-year-old who is currently facing two big decisions regarding his future as he has a contract situation to sort out at the London club and choice to make regarding his international future.
Brooking revealed that the Hammers would be wise to step away from interfering with Rice’s decision and let him go through the process of working out what is best for him.
“He has a contract situation and an international decision to make and I’m sure he is quite capable of making it alone,” stated the football icon in an interview with dedicated Hammers site Claret & Hugh.
“He has to feel comfortable with his decision which is why we should all leave him alone and allow him the time and space to do so.
“He’s a very young man and can look forward to a roller coaster career because that’s football but whichever country he chooses all I know is that West Ham have a very good player on their hands.
“He did really well last season and is looking excellent again so far this year, he’s played some outstanding games and it would be wise for us to step back and let him go through his own decision making process.”
OPINION
Brooking clearly has faith in Rice’s ability based on the fact he described him as a very good player and clearly thinks he’s mature enough to decide his own fate. The defender, who is currently playing in midfield under Manuel Pellegrini, is a fantastic talent and has shone in the majority of his appearances this season and doesn’t seem fazed that his is future is up in the air. According to the latest report by The Times, the Hammers have offered Rice a new contract,which would see him earn £40,000-per-week to consider, and that shows how highly the club rate him. The newspaper also share that the enforcer has made himself unavailable for the Republic of Ireland as he continues to consider whether he wants to play for them or make himself available for Gareth Southgate’s England. While the majority of Hammers fans won’t be fussed who he picks to represent at international level, they perhaps will be worried that having to make the huge decision will distract him. However it seems Brooking doesn’t fear that scenario at all which is a good sign.
