West Ham have announced that teenager Declan Rice has signed a new long-term contract with the Hammers until the summer of 2024, with a further one year extension option included.
Rice, who turns 20 in January, pens a new deal with the club he joined as a 14-year-old schoolboy, and has been in excellent form this season, particularly as a holding midfielder.
This is a massive massive moment for the club signing @_DeclanRice for another 5 seasons!! He has also signed on a weekly wage which I personally believe is much lower than what he could have commanded elsewhere! He loves the club and he is here to stay ⚒⚒⚒
— ExWHUemployee (@ExWHUemployee) December 28, 2018
Declan Rice, storming up from defensive midfield to support Anderson in the 94th minute. He's the type of bloke who'd say it was his round at the pub when people are arguing, even though he clearly bought the last one.
— Green St. Hammers (@GreenStHammers) December 27, 2018
Watching Declan Rice tonight like… #SOUWHU pic.twitter.com/f76k3kKl9i
— BenchWarmers (@BeWarmers) December 27, 2018
Having already racked up his 50th first team appearance this month, Rice expressed his delight at being able to continue his career with the Hammers.
His previous contract was to expire at the end of next season sparking fears the club could have lost one of their brightest talents for nothing.
I am delighted to confirm that Declan Rice has signed a new long-term contract until summer 2024 with a further one year option.
The outstanding Declan who turns 20 in January, has committed his future to the Club he joined as a 14-year-old schoolboy. Congratulations Declan. dg pic.twitter.com/EFnICdtD0T
— David Gold (@davidgold) December 28, 2018
Speaking about his new contract, the Republic of Ireland international said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have got the contract done and to commit my future to the Club until 2024. I’m absolutely ecstatic.
special moment for me & my family. Delighted to have signed a contract extension with @WestHamUtd now to keep pushing & improving❤️⚒. #RICE2024 #COYI pic.twitter.com/aJJn0mm6u3
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) December 28, 2018
“Without a doubt, the plan was always to stay at West Ham. I’ve had the support from the fans, from the players and from the manager and now, to get it done and commit myself to this Club is a very special moment and I’m over the moon.
https://twitter.com/FTalentScout/status/1078404529140498432
“I’ve now played 50 games for the first team and I’m progressing week-in, week-out, learning from a top manager and top players. I’m still young, so to put more years on my contract and keep developing here is the best thing for me to do now. With the support of the manager, the players, everyone, it was the right thing to do.”
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