While Rice's emotional response to the victory over Fiorentina was understandable, his usually taciturn manager gave voice to his own feelings in the after-glow of a victory that could have saved his job. Rice's rise to stardom began with a kick in the teeth when he was released by Chelsea in 2014 after eight years in their youth academy.Įven after joining West Ham, Rice was the only player in his year group given a scholarship without the offer of a guaranteed professional contract.īut over 200 appearances later, with three club player of the year awards on his CV and a Europa Conference League medal around his neck, Rice has proved all the doubters wrong. He is valued at around £100 million ($124 million), but that won't deter Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the race for his signature.Įven if Rice strikes it rich by ending his nine-year stay in east London, the scars from his painful Chelsea exit as a dejected 14-year-old will continue to spur him to new heights. Rice has made it clear he wants to play in the Champions League, something currently beyond the wildest dreams of West Ham, who finished 14th in the Premier League this season. West Ham boss David Moyes last month admitted he was 'fully aware' there was 'a good chance' the England midfielder will be sold before the start of next season. Yet as Rice blinked away tears of joy after the final whistle, the 24-year-old knew he would be leaving the Czech capital facing a defining moment in his career. I love this club, they've made me one of their own,' Rice said.

Bobby Moore hoisted the 1964 FA Cup final and 1965 Cup Winners' Cup, while Billy Bonds was skipper when West Ham won the 19 FA Cups.īoth Bonds and Moore are West Ham legends, a status Rice now enjoys as well after Wednesday's cathartic Conference League triumph ended the club's trophy drought.

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