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West Ham confirm the bittersweet departure of club captain Declan Rice, who is set to join Arsenal.
In recent months, Mikel Arteta's side have persistently pursued the signing of the talented English midfielder, making him their top priority in the current transfer window.
"I want you to know how tough a decision it has been for me to leave an environment that I have loved and cherished so much. Ultimately, though, it has only ever been about my ambition to play at the very highest level of the game," said Rice in his open letter to West Ham United's fans.
Amidst interest from other clubs like Manchester City, who ultimately couldn't match Arsenal's final offer, as well as Chelsea and Bayern Munich, Rice made it clear that his preference was a move to Mikel Arteta's side. Finally, Arsenal and agreed to a British-record fee of £105m to sign the skilled Englishman.
As Rice bids farewell to West Ham, he departs as one of only three players in the club's history to have lifted a trophy as captain, joining the ranks of legendary figures Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds.
His significant contribution was evident in West Ham's memorable victory over Fiorentina in the final of the 2022/23 Europa Conference League, where Rice played a leading role.