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Interview reveals where in-demand West Ham man sees his future

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Declan Rice is nothing short of a West Ham fan favourite, and if he ignores the recent transfer interest from Chelsea (Sky Sports) and remains at the club long-term, then he can quite easily follow in Mark Noble’s footsteps and be a Hammers’ skipper and hero.

However, in a recent interview with the club, with the interviewer being West Ham legend Tony Cottee, Rice was asked where he sees himself playing in the future, and he gave a diplomatic answer to the question, referencing his last couple of seasons and how his game has changed under Manuel Pellegrini.

The interview with Cottee, that can be found on the West Ham website (whufc.com), revealed a lot about Rice, including that the 21-year-old could see his future being spent as a central-defender, despite the fact he’s been the man at the base of the Irons’ midfield for the last two seasons.

Will we keep Declan Rice leave over the summer?

Yes

No

For West Ham fans, as long as Rice is playing his football at the London Stadium they won’t be too fussed whether he’s utilised in holding midfield or at centre-back, as for the Irons, just holding onto their star asset is key.

The transcript of the interview went as follows:

‘Where do you see your long-term future lying on the pitch? Holding midfield or centre-half?’

‘It’s a tough one because I’ve played virtually every game in the last two seasons in midfield, but I have played at centre-half as well. The good thing is I’m comfortable at centre-half and, if the manager asked me to play there, I’d have no problem at all and be confident playing back there.’

‘At the moment, I’m playing in midfield, everything’s around me and I’m learning that position, but maybe in the future I could see myself going back to centre-half, for sure, as I get stronger and a bit better on the ball.’

‘At the moment, I’m playing in midfield so I’m keeping it open but I’d never rule it out that maybe I could go back there one day.’

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