West Ham have confirmed the exit of defender James Collins.
Declan Rice has paid tribute to defender James Collins after West Ham United confirmed the veteran centre-back will leave the club when his contract expires in just over a month’s time.
Fans have been angered by the decision not to offer the 34-year-old rock a new deal at the London Stadium, despite being considered one of the club’s best defenders despite this season.
Collins made 16 appearances this season with injuries hampering his progress and perhaps his chance to earn a new deal under newly-appointed manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Rice, who played alongside Collins 12 times this season, posted on Instagram a touching message to the former Wales international after the Hammers confirmed on their official website that he will be leaving.
Collins and Rice have been in direct competition to earn a place in the West Ham side this season, alongside the likes of Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna, Aaron Cresswell and Jose Fonte before the latter left.
After 11 years of service with the Hammers over two spells, Collins looks to have left for good after clocking up 217 league and cup appearances for the east Londoners.
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