Declan Rice reacts to big news at West Ham and shares new Arsenal nickname
Declan Rice’s decision to leave West Ham United for Arsenal last summer was a move that undeniably ruffled some feathers among Hammers supporters. While his departure was anticipated for some time, many fans were dismayed by his choice to join a London rival rather than Manchester City, who had also shown strong interest in him. Despite these feelings, Rice’s enduring affection for West Ham has been evident in the way he has spoken about the club since his move.
Since making the switch to Arsenal, Rice has consistently exhibited a high level of class and respect when discussing his former team. Even during his time with England at Euro 2024, Rice took moments to reflect positively on his West Ham experience. He spoke warmly about his time with the Hammers and notably praised Jarrod Bowen, calling him a “West Ham legend,” a testament to the high regard in which he holds his former teammates.
Rice’s exit from West Ham created a significant void in the squad, both in terms of his presence on the pitch and his leadership off it. His successor as captain, Kurt Zouma, struggled to fill the leadership role with the same effectiveness that Rice had brought to the team. Rice’s leadership was a key factor in Arsenal’s efforts to mount a competitive title challenge, even though their pursuit ultimately fell short.
With Zouma now leaving West Ham, the club has seen a new captain appointed. Julen Lopetegui has entrusted this role to Bowen, the club’s top scorer, who has reaffirmed his commitment to the team by stating his desire to retire at West Ham. Rice’s reaction to Bowen’s appointment has been supportive, reflecting his ongoing connection to the club. He expressed his enthusiasm for Bowen’s new role by commenting, “Buzzing for you Jaz! Deserve it brother,” accompanied by a heart emoji, demonstrating that despite his move to Arsenal, he continues to care deeply about West Ham.
Rice is fully entrenched in his new life at Arsenal, and his transition has been marked by a new nickname from his teammates. When he joined Arsenal, Mikel Arteta referred to him as “the lighthouse,” recognizing his ability to bring clarity and improvement to the team. However, Rice has since adopted a new moniker given to him by his Gunners colleagues—”the horse.” This nickname highlights his physical attributes, such as his stamina and long strides, which are ideal for endurance events like the 5,000 meters. Rice himself mentioned this nickname in a discussion about Olympic events, showcasing his integration into Arsenal’s squad and his new role within the team.
As West Ham seeks to build a new era, Bowen’s leadership will be critical in filling the gap left by Rice, as well as by previous captains such as Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan. David Moyes had previously called on Bowen to step up as a leader, and Bowen is now embracing this responsibility with renewed vigor. This period marks a transitional phase for West Ham, and fans are hopeful that the club will thrive under Bowen’s captaincy, ushering in a new chapter of success and stability.
