OPINION
Having a young talent of Declan Rice’s potential come through in this day and age is always a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, who wouldn’t want a precocious midfield battler representing the local area and pulling the strings in the centre of the park? On the other, as soon as a player like Rice establishes himself, there are always going to be rumours linking him with big money moves to one of the so-called top six.
The 20-year-old could be a very special player, for both club and country, but you can’t help feeling that he will have to leave the London Stadium if he is to realise his promise.
Fortunately for the Hammers, however, the midfielder doesn’t appear to see it that way.
Speaking after his side’s dire 2-0 loss to Everton on Saturday evening, Rice told BT Sport, as quoted in the Sun, that he loved his boyhood club.
He said: “I love every minute of being at West Ham. Being compared to players, being linked to other teams, I don’t really take any of it in to be honest.
“If you think about it too much you get caught up in it. I’m only 20, you’ve got your whole career ahead of you. I’m just focused on playing for West Ham and playing with a smile on my face and enjoying it.”
This is exactly the kind of attitude and outlook that should be encouraged, and that has made Rice an instant hero at the London Stadium.
He is evidently infatuated with the mere concept of playing for the Hammers, and it’s hard to see any reason why he would walk away from that love in any time soon.
Some time in the future, he may have to move on for his own good, and depending on his valuation, for the good of the club as well, but right now he seems settled and content.
West Ham fans should be absolutely buzzing after these latest comment from their new hero.
