Ex-West Ham midfielder Declan Rice says he is hoping to get a good reception from supporters when he returns to the London Stadium as an Arsenal player at the start of next month.

The Gunners have been drawn against the Hammers in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup and, ahead of the match on November 1st, Rice sent out a message to both manager David Moyes and the fans:

“I want to keep a positive relationship with him because he was so good to me, and the supporters were, too – they’re special.”

“I know it’s hard when you see a player move on to another club, but I’m sure they understand – hopefully when I see them again, I’ll be able to say goodbye properly.”

Rice turned down multiple contract offers from West Ham, which led to the Irons reluctantly accepting a £105m bid from Arsenal back in July, and it remains to be seen how he will be received when he faces his former team.

Returning players are not always welcomed back

There are certainly examples where West Ham supporters have not been too kind when former Hammers stars have returned to their old stomping ground. Frank Lampard was consistently booed following his move to Chelsea.

Rice did, however, leave on better terms, having helped to win a European trophy, so you do expect he will get a slightly warmer reception.

West Ham have improved since Rice’s departure

The Irons put the money from their former captain’s sale to good use. James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez were brought in as replacements for Rice and they have both proven to be successful purchases so far.

With the club sitting in 7th place, having won 4 of their first 7 games, it suggests that Rice’s departure has actually helped the team to progress, although we are still at a very early stage of the season.

Who were the winners and losers from the summer transfer window? Watch this video on Shots! TV