The Hammers supporters found it difficult to accept his departure despite this. In my opinion, Rice spoke out of turn during the World Cup break when he essentially made himself seem bad by implying that he was yearning to play Champions League football.

The London Stadium crowd were also not pleased with his joining a rival team in London. The midfielder has since angered West Ham supporters with his extravagant adulation for Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal team in general.

Dec is now taking action to reduce tensions in front of a return to the London Stadium.

Declan Rice tries to defuse tensions with West Ham fans

On Boxing Day at the Emirates, the Gunners will play their debut Premier League match against the Hammers. Nevertheless, we’re looking forward to welcoming Arsenal to the London Stadium for the Carabao Cup at the end of this month.

Prior to that probable reunion, Dec also sent the following message to the West Ham supporters, as reported by Four Four Two:

“I want to keep a positive relationship with him (Moyes) because he was so good to me, and the supporters were, too – they’re special. I know it’s hard when you see a player move on to another club, but I’m sure they understand – hopefully when I see them again, I’ll be able to say goodbye properly.”

I believe Rice is underestimating the level of disapproval that some Hammers fans have for him right now.

To be fair, it is how football should be. Even if he was obviously excellent for us, tribalism is at the heart of our culture when it comes to the “beautiful game,” therefore when he returns to East London, there shouldn’t be any cheers.

Declan Rice might not get a warm welcome when he comes to West Ham with Arsenal, in my opinion.

I’m all for it as long as it stays within the bounds of personal abuse.