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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has expressed deep sadness at seeing his former club West Ham demoted on the final day of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Although he celebrated a title win with Arsenal, Rice revealed a strong emotional bond with the Hammers, describing them as a club that “means so much” to him.
The 27‑year‑old left West Ham for Arsenal in 2023 for a club‑record fee, yet he has never concealed his affection for the East London side.
Posting on Instagram, Rice addressed West Ham supporters, admitting he is “gutted” to see them relegated.
“I’m absolutely gutted to see West Ham relegated,” he wrote.
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“A club that really does mean so much to me. As I said before, I wouldn’t be where I am today without everything the club has done for me.”
“With that being said, I have no doubt they will be back where they belong in the Premier League in no time. I will be supporting always.”
West Ham Relegation Drama
West Ham United were relegated from the Premier League to the Championship on 24 May 2026, ending a 14‑year top‑flight stay.
Despite a 3‑0 win over Leeds on the final day, results elsewhere meant they finished 18th, alongside Burnley and Wolves.
The club finished with 39 points under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Read Also: Arteta Wins Premier League Manager Of The Season
The Nuno Factor
Nuno Espirito Santo was hired in September as a replacement for Potter with the club already in 19th place. While Nuno brought some initial improvement and lifted the side off the bottom, the team struggled for consistency and had an atrocious run between November and January, collecting only four points from 30 available.
The managerial turnover was exacerbated by poor, often contradictory, transfer investments following the sale of Declan Rice, making it difficult for coaches to establish a consistent playing style.
The squad lacked both pace and depth, failing to adapt to the changing tactics of the different managers.
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