Promising Academy midfielder Declan Rice has agreed his first professional contract with West Ham United
Promising Academy midfielder Declan Rice has agreed his first professional contract with West Ham United.
The Republic of Ireland U17 international, who turns 17 in January, has pledged his future to the Hammers after impressing hugely for the youth team and Development Squad in recent months.
The teenager has scored three times in 12 Barclays U18 Premier League appearances this term, while also turning out twice for Terry Westley’s Development Squad.
“I am very happy to be signing here,” Rice told West Ham TV. “Since I got released by Chelsea two years ago, I never would have thought this would happen, so I’m delighted with it.
“Very hard work is what’s got me here today and hopefully over the next couple of years I’ll keep doing that and keep getting more contracts.
“I found out about the contract about four or five weeks ago. I knew it was on the cards if I kept playing well, but I wasn’t really focused on that. I was just focused on playing well and keeping my head down.
“The day I signed my contract was also my Mum’s birthday, so she was very emotional as it was a proud moment for me and my family.”
The Republic of Ireland U17 international, who turns 17 in January, has pledged his future to the Hammers after impressing hugely for the youth team and Development Squad in recent months.
The teenager has scored three times in 12 Barclays U18 Premier League appearances this term, while also turning out twice for Terry Westley’s Development Squad.
“I am very happy to be signing here,” Rice told West Ham TV. “Since I got released by Chelsea two years ago, I never would have thought this would happen, so I’m delighted with it.
“Very hard work is what’s got me here today and hopefully over the next couple of years I’ll keep doing that and keep getting more contracts.
“I found out about the contract about four or five weeks ago. I knew it was on the cards if I kept playing well, but I wasn’t really focused on that. I was just focused on playing well and keeping my head down.
“The day I signed my contract was also my Mum’s birthday, so she was very emotional as it was a proud moment for me and my family.”
I really like West Ham. The people here have looked after me and I wouldn’t think about going anywhere else. This the Club for me
A versatile performer, Rice can operate in the back four or as a deep-lying midfielder. When asked to label the parts of his game he is most proud of, it is evident that the 16-year-old has plenty of qualities.
“I can play in two positions, I can play at centre-half or central defensive midfield. I read the game well, am strong and can pass with my left foot and my right foot.
“The best part of my game is my communication. I see myself as a leader.
“As a centre-back, I think I could get a bit stronger, so I’m going to get back in the gym and keep working hard.”
Having agreed his first pro deal, Rice is now setting his sights on establishing himself in Westley’s Development Squad on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, having netted twice in three UEFA European Under-17 Championship Qualifying round fixtures in September, the youngster is aiming for further recognition at international level.
“It’s brilliant to work at the Academy with all the coaching staff and all the players. There is a proper good vibe and we want to keep it going, so it’s all good.
“It just shows how well I’ve been doing this season that I’ve played in the Development Squad and also for Republic of Ireland at U19 level.
“I’ve just had a little bit of an injury, so I want to get back fit, get in the Under-21 squad and keep progressing. I want to get a few more starts in the Under-21s and call-ups for the Republic of Ireland.”
Looking further into the future, Rice has ambitions of pulling on a Claret and Blue shirt at the new Stadium in Stratford, completing a fantastic turnaround in his fortunes after being released by Chelsea at the age of 14.
“Ever since I left Chelsea and the Club took me on, I really like West Ham. The people here have looked after me and I wouldn’t think about going anywhere else. This the Club for me.
“It’s going to be the best stadium in the world, in my opinion, and the stuff that’s going to be happening there is unbelievable. Hopefully, in a few years’ time, I’ll get the chance to play there.
“It would be brilliant to make my debut there in front of my friends and family and the people who have taught me since I was young. Hopefully I’ll get my chance.”
“I can play in two positions, I can play at centre-half or central defensive midfield. I read the game well, am strong and can pass with my left foot and my right foot.
“The best part of my game is my communication. I see myself as a leader.
“As a centre-back, I think I could get a bit stronger, so I’m going to get back in the gym and keep working hard.”
Having agreed his first pro deal, Rice is now setting his sights on establishing himself in Westley’s Development Squad on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, having netted twice in three UEFA European Under-17 Championship Qualifying round fixtures in September, the youngster is aiming for further recognition at international level.
“It’s brilliant to work at the Academy with all the coaching staff and all the players. There is a proper good vibe and we want to keep it going, so it’s all good.
“It just shows how well I’ve been doing this season that I’ve played in the Development Squad and also for Republic of Ireland at U19 level.
“I’ve just had a little bit of an injury, so I want to get back fit, get in the Under-21 squad and keep progressing. I want to get a few more starts in the Under-21s and call-ups for the Republic of Ireland.”
Looking further into the future, Rice has ambitions of pulling on a Claret and Blue shirt at the new Stadium in Stratford, completing a fantastic turnaround in his fortunes after being released by Chelsea at the age of 14.
“Ever since I left Chelsea and the Club took me on, I really like West Ham. The people here have looked after me and I wouldn’t think about going anywhere else. This the Club for me.
“It’s going to be the best stadium in the world, in my opinion, and the stuff that’s going to be happening there is unbelievable. Hopefully, in a few years’ time, I’ll get the chance to play there.
“It would be brilliant to make my debut there in front of my friends and family and the people who have taught me since I was young. Hopefully I’ll get my chance.”
*West Ham United embark on their FA Youth Cup campaign with a third-round tie at Derby County on Friday evening.
Kick-off at the iPro Stadium is at 7pm and admission is FREE for all supporters. The Toyota West Stand Lower will be open for fans and entry is available through turnstiles 13-16.
Kick-off at the iPro Stadium is at 7pm and admission is FREE for all supporters. The Toyota West Stand Lower will be open for fans and entry is available through turnstiles 13-16.