‘So tough’ - Arsenal star Declan Rice opens up receiving boos from West Ham fans & describes ‘really odd’ feeling to score against former club

Rice has emerged as a crucial player for the Gunners in their quest for Premier League glory with four goals and five assists. Despite the struggles against West Ham earlier in the season, where Arsenal faced defeats in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League, Rice remained determined to make his mark. And he walked the talk during the Gunner's 6-0 win earlier in February by scoring a long-ranger at the London Stadium. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old admitted that facing his former club was challenging, especially when met with mixed reactions from West Ham fans at his old stomping ground.

Speaking to ESPN, Rice said: "It was so tough. We lost in the cup to them. We lost in the league at the Emirates; I didn't play well and gave away a penalty. The West Ham fans bantered me and I can 100% take that; I played for West Ham for 10 years and I know how they work. When I went over to take the corner, there were a few boos, but there were claps as well.

"I know my love for them has never changed; their love for me has never changed. It is one of those things where you move on. Obviously, I scored a great goal, it was really odd. Even speaking about it now, it is weird. A lot of the lads asked me afterwards, 'How does it feel?' It was a bittersweet feeling, really odd."

Despite that remarkable strike, Rice refrained from celebrating and the England international added, "I always said I would never celebrate against West Ham and I don't think I ever will. They made me who I am. I spent 10 years there; I owe them a lot. I would never ever celebrate; I think that would be really disrespectful. Overall, [it was] a really good day to win and to score, but a bittersweet feeling."

Rice remains focused on his development and the team's collective goal of achieving Premier League glory. He will be back in action against Sheffield United on Monday evening to add to his tally of goals.