Arteta Anticipates Arsenal’s Rice to Make a ‘Beautiful’ Comeback at West Ham
Published on: November 1, 2023.
Filed under:
Mikel Arteta Anticipates a “Beautiful” Return for Declan Rice as Arsenal Face West Ham in League Cup Clash
London, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 31st Oct, 2023) – On Wednesday, Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice, is set to make a “beautiful” return to his former club West Ham in a League Cup clash, according to Mikel Arteta.
Rice, who moved from the London Stadium to Arsenal for £105 million ($128 million) during the close season, captained West Ham to victory in the Europa Conference League final last season before joining the Gunners.
Traditionally, former players often face hostile receptions from their previous clubs, such as Frank Lampard’s treatment after his move to Chelsea and Paul Ince’s criticism following his switch to Manchester United.
However, Arteta believes that Rice, 24, will be welcomed warmly by West Ham fans during his first visit back to the club since his transfer.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Arteta said, “It will be his first time back at his old club, and a beautiful moment for him, I think. I had a chance to do it a few times and then you really see what they think of you and what you left at the club.”
While Arteta plans to make several changes to the Arsenal lineup to rest players during a demanding schedule of Premier League and Champions League matches, he hinted that Rice would still be involved in some capacity.
He further added, “Every time you hear him talk about West Ham and what they did for him and everybody at the club, he cannot talk any higher of them, so hopefully they will be the same way towards him.”
West Ham manager, David Moyes, also predicted that Rice would receive a warm welcome from the club’s supporters.
“You’ve got to remember this is the man who lifted this club’s first European trophy in more than 50 years,” Moyes said. “He should be welcomed back with open arms. We’re all looking forward to seeing him again. He was a brilliant member of the team. He led the team brilliantly well. He conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham captain and as a player.”
Overall, both Arteta and Moyes are confident that Rice’s return to West Ham will be a positive and memorable experience for the player and the fans.
Source: [UrduPoint](https://www.urdupoint.com)
