Getting a new kit can be one of the most exciting things for fans in the build up to a new season, though there is always a bit of debate about who to get on the back.
As he has become a fan favourite, Declan Rice will be among the most popular players kids will be getting on their kits, but their parents may have had a few concerns.
The first will have been that he may leave the club this transfer window, but he has already told Manchester United he doesn’t want to go there at this time, according to The Independent.
The second is that it was unknown whether he would be sticking with the number 41, which he has been wearing for the Hammers ever since making his first team debut in 2017.
Though the man himself has now cleared up the second situation as clearly as he did the first:
Had loads of people asking this.. I WILL be keeping 41 for this season https://t.co/2M8PYEWM2C
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) June 24, 2019
This could perhaps be a sign that the West Ham Young Player of the Year is looking towards the future, where he could use his popularity and constant shirt number to form a brand.
Though all Hammers fans will care about is the fact that it is another indication he will be staying, with this also allowing them to finally go out and get his name and secured number on the back of their shirts for the 2019/20 season.
A selection of Twitter reaction to the announcement, including posts from pleased West Ham fans, can be seen below:
DR41
— Keenan Burr (@keenan_burr) June 24, 2019
41 as in the amount of cleansheets we’ll get in all comps next season?
— Henrik (@Henrikinho__) June 24, 2019
Waiting for the 41CE merch…
— Jack Tamcken (@Tamcken) June 24, 2019
My local Chinese takeaway number 41 comes with Rice, so you keep it up Dec
— Gavin Greenway (@D1Banjo) June 25, 2019
DR41
— Harry17P (@Harry17P) June 24, 2019
What a lad. #DR41
— Nathan Warner (@NathanPatrick84) June 24, 2019
Love it @_DeclanRice
— Adam Jessop (@adammmm_1998) June 24, 2019
Next Captain DR41, take us to the next level Dekkers
— CHFIA (@CHFIaddict) June 24, 2019