Declan Rice’s goal against West Ham spoke a thousand words.

Whatever you think about his move to Arsenal, Declan Rice factually loved West Ham. He spoke about it time after time when he left the club, and he clearly wouldn’t have left if it wasn’t for his ambition to compete at the top.

When he scored at the London Stadium two seasons ago, it was expected that he wouldn’t celebrate, but his lack of a celebration this time around was extremely telling.

His look towards the away end had pain. Being booed by the fans of a club he loves isn’t easy. He sent a message of respect but also one that said ‘remember what we had’.

Banter is one thing, but the needless hate against a man who’s made it clear his administration for the Hammers is baffling. Yes he joined a London rival, but we need to remember some things are much bigger than football. He had not long had a child when he left, so staying in the capital was a priority.

In my eyes, we’ve not seen the last of Declan in claret and blue. He’s got too much love for the club, and I think he’d love to end his career where it started. If he does rejoin, he’d go down in a simiLr vein to Joe Cole.