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Comments
Last night's interview probably gave a few some hope, but I think he was being as diplomatic as he could be in the situation. If he had any intention of staying, last night was the perfect opportunity to say so.
So a perfect ending for him; scoring on his last home game and lifting the trophy in his last ever game. No better time for him to leave, to be honest.
Perhaps Sullivan could have kept this quiet for a few more days, or at least until after the bus parade, but if he wants out, get it done.
When asked whether the historic victory over Fiorentina was Rice's last match in a West Ham shirt, Sullivan told talkSPORT: "I think it has to be.
"We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. You can't ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.
"In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement - or several replacements. It's not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down.
"It's cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go. You can't keep a player who doesn't want to be there."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/65841454
He is definitely going.
I mean, it doesn't have to be, does it? Let him reflect on things for a few days at least. Then he might, might have a change of heart and stay for another season to captain us through another EL campaign.
Sullivan's comments here seem to be pushing him out of the door, almost. I doubt they've spoken since the final whistle so maybe seeing the fans reaction may have convinced Rice to give it another year.
The cynic in me wonders if Sullivan just doesn't want to miss out on the £100m...
I expect he will but last night on the subject his final comment was “who knows”.
Yeah, this is the thing. How difficult would it have been to say 'we'll have a chat with Dec in the next few days and take it from there'. No need to tell the world that Rice wants out. Probably just knocked £10m off the asking price.
I still think he'll leave for about £85m.
Our record sale is still Dimitri Payet at £25m, btw.
Just feels so unnecessary after last night's success.
Classless and clueless, as always.
He is allowed to say what he wants, while there may be a time and place, sometimes we just have to say it as it is, we are all guilty of that, and sometimes the truth hurts, knowing our captain wants out.......
It has been the worlds worst secret that for ages now, I'd be shocked if winning last makes any difference to his thoughts or to his value we want from the sale.
After last night and all the owner has put into the club ( financially ) think he deserves a bit of slack, he just IMO told it how it is, and we wishing it could be different, is likely pie in the sky...
All IMO of course.
The whole world has been told that he'll be free to leave and that is Declan's desire...
We all know it was likely to happen, but it's the timing. Now Rice has the bus parade with the fans knowing that he wants out. Just sours what should be a wonderful occasion.
No reason Sullivan couldn't have waited a few days to make this all public. Let the players enjoy the moment, enjoy today and the start talking deals over the weekend.
It’s also a little similar to the Craig Dawson sale, re “ an agreement “ then the club were in general praised on here for allowing him to get his wishes even if some thought it was detrimental to the team…
I would love Rice to say, but refusing R200k a week is pretty blatant to me that it’s his wish and in his own thoughts the only choice he wants/ has….
I will and I’m sure no other fans will feel differently towards Rice today, to me it’s just life and reality
The boy had just had the greatest night of his football life, let him enjoy the moment with his mates.
He was very diplomatic in his reply, if that was me I don’t think I would’ve been.
But I just wonder whether yesterday's win, the reaction of the fans and their love for him (and his for them) and another EL campaign may have put doubt in his mind.
But less than 24 hours later his boss is basically pimping him out on national radio. Just think that everyone would have benefitted from enjoying the moment and not speaking about it for a few days.
West Ham is bigger than any player and while we’re all gonna be gutted when it happens, the top teams will always and have always been able to attract the best players…
“Bradders87
If you ask me, it seems like Rice isnt pushing for a move and would happily stay another season, but Sullivan wants to cash in. Offer Rice the same as what the others are willing to offer and I'm sure he would be willing to see if we can win the Europa League to get Champions League.”
I don't want to talk about whether Declan leaves or even whether Moyes leaves right now. Just enjoy it.