Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice may now be in his second season at the club, but he still finds it ‘odd’ coming up against former side West Ham United.

The England man has been a key player for the Gunners since completing a £100 million move in July 2023. He comes up against his former side on Saturday evening when Arsenal travel to the London Stadium.

It will be the fourth time he lines up against the Hammers, after coming through the academy at the club. While the first and second were games to forget for Arsenal, with them falling to defeat in both, the latest saw Rice scored and provide two assists in a 6-0 win.

Speaking to ESPN earlier this year, Rice recalled his feelings of playing, and scoring against West Ham. “It was so tough. We lost in the cup to them. We lost in the league at the Emirates; I didn't play well and gave away a penalty,” he said.

“The West Ham fans bantered me and I can 100 per cent take that; I played for West Ham for 10 years and I know how they work.

“When I went over to take the corner, there were a few boos, but there were claps as well. I know my love for them has never changed; their love for me has never changed. It is one of those things where you move on. Obviously I scored a great goal, it was really odd."

“Even speaking about it now, it is weird. A lot of the lads asked me afterwards, 'How does it feel?' It was a bittersweet feeling, really odd.

“I always said I would never celebrate against West Ham and I don't think I ever will. They made me who I am. I spent 10 years there; I owe them a lot.

“I would never ever celebrate; I think that would be really disrespectful. Overall, [it was] a really good day to win and to score, but a bittersweet feeling.”

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