Speaking on The Overlap, Declan Rice has shared just how close he came to being released by West Ham as a youngster.
These days, the midfielder is seen as one of Europe’s top talents, but as a teenager, coaches seemingly weren’t sold on him.
We all know the story of how Chelsea released Rice as a youngster, but the midfielder very nearly suffered the same fate at West Ham.
Indeed, Rice says it was a 50/50 decision as to whether or not he’d be kept on at West Ham as a 16-year-old.
What’s Rice said?
The England international shared just how close he came to being released by West Ham.
“It was always really tough for me, even West Ham, it’s a crazy story, they were actually going to release me as well, I don’t think anyone knows that. It was when I was 16, I don’t think I’ve ever spoken about this. It was a 50/50 decision. Half of the coaches were saying to keep me on and the other half weren’t sure. We played a game against Fulham when I was 16 for the U18s and after that I got my scholarship, but five other lads got a one-year scholarship and a three-year pro deal,” Rice said.
Lucky
West Ham are incredibly lucky that they didn’t decide to get rid of Rice.
The midfielder is now the Hammers’ crown jewel and he’s arguably been their best player for the past few years.
Just imagine if they’d have let him go, perhaps they’d be playing Championship football right now as their narrow escape in 2019/20 may not have happened without Rice in the team.
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