West Ham United has announced the departure of England midfielder Declan Rice for a British record transfer fee.
The 24-year-old departs the club amid reports of interest from Arsenal, having recently led West Ham to the Europa Conference League title and a 14th-place finish in the English Premier League.
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In a statement, West Ham joint chair David Sullivan said that Everyone at West Ham United should be very proud of their part in Rice's journey from the Academy of Football at Chadwell Heath to becoming the most valuable young player in English football.
Rice made his senior debut for the Hammers in 2017 and has since appeared in over 240 games for the club. After Mark Noble retired last year, he was named captain.
Rice's West Ham contract had one year left, with the option of a one-year extension.
Sullivan told their supporters that they had no intention of selling Declan and wanted to build their team around them, so they offered a succession of better, longer-term contract offers to ensure his future. he added that when Declan insisted on leaving, they had to let him go.
Rice, who began his career in Chelsea's youth system before going to West Ham at 14, will depart the East London club after ten years.
Rice has been linked with a move to Mikel Arteta's side as Arsenal try to reduce the gap at the top of the league after finishing second last season to treble-winners Manchester City.
