Mikel Arteta believes that Declan Rice’s return to West Ham United will be a “beautiful moment” for the midfielder.
The Arsenal manager looks set to name the 24-year-old in his team for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup round-of-16-tie at the London Stadium, in what would be Rice’s first game against the club he joined as 14-year-old.
Rice moved to Arsenal for a record £105 million this summer, after a decade with West Ham, whom he led to victory in the Europa Conference League last season — their first significant trophy in 43 years.
“He’s likely [to play],” Arteta said. “It would be his first time back at his old club and a beautiful moment for him. I had the experience to do it a few times and then you really see what they think of you and what you left at that club.”
Rice’s reception is unlikely to be hostile given the good-natured manner of his departure and Arteta hopes that the midfielder will be well-received. “Every time you hear him talk about West Ham and what they did for him and everybody at the club, he cannot speak any more highly,” the Spaniard added. “Hopefully it will be the same way towards him.”
Advertisement
Those sentiments were mirrored by David Moyes, the West Ham manager, who expects that Rice will be treated warmly. “You’ve got to remember this is the man who lifted this club’s first European trophy in more than 50 years,” he said.
Rice won the Europa Conference League with West Ham in his final appearance for the club
ZAC GOODWIN/PA WIRE
“He should be welcomed back with open arms. We’re all looking forward to seeing him again. He conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham captain and as a player.
“The most important thing was that he gave 100 per cent in every game, even though we sort of knew he probably wasn’t going to stay at West Ham. He conducted himself brilliantly well and for that alone he deserves to be cheered.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Dec again. I’ve not seen him since he left. I don’t know if I want him to play, but I hope he’s there.”
The likelihood of Rice featuring in the game has grown after Thomas Partey’s recent muscular injury — Arteta said that the Ghana international will be out for “weeks” but did not commit to a more specific time frame. “He’s got another appointment today and we will see more after that,” Arteta said.
Among Arteta’s other options in defensive midfield are Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho.
West Ham v Arsenal
Carabao Cup fourth round
London Stadium
Wednesday, kick-off 7.30pm
