West Ham United criticised after Declan Rice announcement leaves off key detail

Declan Rice has left West Ham United but the club managed to make a whole statement about the transfer whilst missing out arguably the most relevant point.

Some transfers barely need an announcement and Rice is certainly one of those, considering the fee for the midfielder was agreed two weeks ago.

If the England international had just turned up on the opening day of the season playing for Arsenal with no announcement, no one would have batted an eyelid.

Even when you could still buy Rice shirts on the West Ham website earlier this week no one actually thought it was a hint he might be staying.

Finally on Saturday came the confirmation we'd all been waiting for, though it came with the slight twist that it wasn't the Gunners announcing it.

Just to annoy those of us starting work at 9 today, the Hammers put out a statement at 8 am to confirm that their captain had left the club.

However they managed to make the statement without once mentioning their London rivals who have bought the 24-year-old.

"West Ham United can confirm that agreement has been reached for Declan Rice to leave the Club for a British record transfer fee," the statement on their website read.

"...Joint-Chair David Sullivan said: “I am sorry to see Declan leave us, but I believe that everyone at West Ham United should be very proud of the part we have played in his journey from the Academy of Football at Chadwell Heath to becoming the most valuable young player in English football.​

“I would like to make it clear to our supporters that we did not want to sell Declan. We wanted to build our team around him and made a series of improved, long-term contract offers to secure his future. However, once Declan made it clear that he wished to move on and seek a new challenge, the Club felt it would not be right to stand in his way, acting in the best interests of West Ham United.

“He leaves with the sincere thanks, respect and love of everyone here, having earned his place in history alongside the great Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds as the only players to have captained West Ham United to a major trophy. More than that, he has always given absolutely everything for the football club throughout his time with us.​

“Declan will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Hammers fans and everyone here at the Club. We wish him well for the future and he will always be an inspiration and an example to any young player coming through our Academy.”

We can confirm Declan Rice has left the Club.

— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 15, 2023

"For who? Southend?", asked one fan.

"To where??," added a second.

On the same train of thought another said: "Any guess where he's headed."

"You are so salty you couldn’t even let us have the announcement," exclaimed one Arsenal supporter.

"Very funny to me that West Ham have seemingly scooped Arsenal with this while also refusing to mention them anywhere in the statement," laughed Athletic journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke.

"Superbly petty for West Ham to choose not to mention his destination. You almost have to admire it," replied another fan.

Another tagged the Gunners and joked: "Hello Arsenal. You might want to step in. I think West Ham have just released Declan Rice, there might be an opportunity there…"