Declan Rice is not often lost for words, but West Ham United’s UEFA Europa Conference League winning captain was almost speechless after Wednesday’s wonderful 2-1 win over ACF Fiorentina in Prague.
The Hammers battled for their win, as they have had to do so many times during Rice’s six seasons in the first-team squad, and as the midfielder has had to do so often in the decade since he was discarded by Chelsea as a 14-year-old schoolboy.
He has overcome all those setbacks, though, by using a combination of resolve, character and unbelievable talent – characteristics that have seen him rise to become an England regular and just the third West Ham captain to lift a major trophy.
“I don’t even know what to say!” he beamed, as the Claret and Blue Army sang his name in the Eden Arena stands. “It’s just a different level!
“Genuinely, I’ve been doing interviews with you for six years now and we’ve had ups and we’ve had downs, but this is what you do it for, these nights, these fans.
“Look how special it is. I’m telling you now, look at them, what a special group of people. It’s incredible and I’m just so happy.”
After the game, Rice led the celebrations on the pitch, with his teammates, managers, coaches, family, friends and supporters all joining in. West Ham is a family, and our No41 is an influential member of that family.
As he posed for photographs with the Conference League trophy, calling in anybody and everybody he could find to join him in posing with the beautiful piece of silverware, Rice was smiling non-stop.
Metres away, in the stands, his adoring West Ham supporters were singing his name incessantly, showing their love for a player who has given his all, every single time he has pulled on their beloved Claret and Blue.
“Do you know what? I don’t even know what to say!” he continued. “Those fans have been so good to me, honestly, I’m lost for words. This Club means so much to me.
“I just try to be myself, but as much as I’m happy for myself, I’m happy for people who have been here for so long, seen it all, taken on negativity, had positive moments… I don’t think it can ever get better than this. It’s just another level.”
For Rice, his name now sits alongside those of Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds as captains who have led West Ham to glory. It is rare company, but company he thoroughly deserves to be in.
“I genuinely don’t know what to do!” he concluded, before heading off to jig with manager David Moyes and sporting director Mark Noble on the confetti-covered Prague pitch. “I’ve got a nice trophy cabinet at home, so I’m going to get the trophy remade and I’m going to put that up on the wall!
“It’s for the fans. I love you all!”
