Arteta Anticipates Arsenal’s Rice to Make a ‘Beautiful’ Comeback at West Ham
Published on: November 1, 2023.
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Arsenal Midfielder Declan Rice to Make Emotional Return to West Ham in League Cup Clash
LONDON, Oct 31 — Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is set to make an emotional return to his former club West Ham in Wednesday’s League Cup clash, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham in a £105 million (RM607 million) move during the close season, captained the London-based club to victory in the Europa Conference League final in his final game before the transfer.
Former players often face a hostile reception when returning to their former clubs, as seen with Frank Lampard and Paul Ince. However, Arteta expects Rice to receive a warm welcome and believes it will be a beautiful moment for the 24-year-old.
Arteta also hinted that Rice would be involved in the fourth-round tie, although there are expected to be widespread changes to the Arsenal lineup to rest players during a demanding schedule of Premier League and Champions League matches.
Reflecting on Rice’s feelings towards West Ham, Arteta said, “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.”
Source: Malay Mail
