Rio Ferdinand claims key West Ham man told him he didn’t rate Declan Rice

Follow us on Google Discover

Rio Ferdinand has claimed that West Ham United’s owner once doubted Declan Rice’s talents when he was starting life as a first-team player, as he told the Filthy Fellas (8 minutes in).

The Manchester United legend then added that ‘now my man is saying he is worth £150 million’ – Rice has been heavily-linked with Champions League clubs for a number of years now.

Now, Ferdinand didn’t specify which owner made those comments, with David Gold and David Sullivan being front and centre of the club.

Rice made the short trip across London as a youngster when he was let go by Chelsea, he was a centre-back that ended up being transformed into a midfielder.

In recent years, the 23-year-old’s rise has been incredible, including becoming a key player for West Ham, England and now the Hammers captain following Mark Noble’s retirement.

Either way, this is what Ferdinand had to say about Rice making a name for himself at West Ham and the ‘maddest thing’ that was said about him.

On whether he thinks Rice can be a CB: “No,” the former West Ham defender responded. “I saw his first games there.

“The maddest thing about Declan Rice, he grew up a centre-back, he gets into the first team at West Ham, then I went and watched West Ham against Manchester City, when he first got in.

“I remember the owner was saying ‘he’s a young lad, but I am not sure’. Now, my man is saying that he’s worth £150 million. He has obviously changed.

“But it’s down to Declan. Training, application and desire and stuff. He’s made himself this player. At centre-back, he wouldn’t be the same calibre of player he is in CDM, I think.”

DECLAN RICE IS ONE OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE’S BEST

Well, there isn’t anyone doubting Rice now because he is one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League today.

A sure starter for West Ham and England, the hard-hitting player will be heading to Qatar in November to compete in his first-ever World Cup.

Going by his last major tournament, if he produces anything similar, then regardless of how Gareth Southgate’s side perform, then his reputation will only grow.

But before then, he will want to lay down a solid platform for the Hammers, who will be pushing for another top-six finish this season, after missing out on the last day of the last campaign.