Kurt Zouma claims Declan Rice West Ham exit ‘didn’t affect’ club

Kurt Zouma claims that Declan Rice’s West Ham exit this summer “didn’t affect” the side as they knew of his departure.

According to BBC Sport (3 October), the Hammers skipper lauded the now-Arsenal midfielder for his strong performances for West

Ham but now views him as a “opponent”.

The Gunners and the Hammers drew each other in the League Cup Round of 16, the first time he will be returning to his former side.

Declan was a key player and a good performer for us, according to Zouma. However, I consider the replacements we made to be

incredibly clever.

To be truthful, we weren’t affected by it because we anticipated his departure. He has played some incredible games here, where he

will always be remembered, yet he is now a rival.

“The players who were brought in have bought into the West Ham idea, they have bought into the strategies, and they have also settled

swiftly. We are therefore happy to have them, and they have contributed to our excellent season start.

No love lost

It would be unlikely that any Hammers squad member would be frustrated at Rice for his summer departure, but on the pitch, they

probably won’t be friends.

Returning to your former side, especially the side that you led as captain to a European Cup, can be an emotional affair. Rice has

always been clear and honest about his love for the club, but for the 90 minutes that he’s in an Arsenal shirt against the Hammers,

fans may forget that.

Rice will have to face his former side at least three times this season, with the 24-year-old set to return to the London Stadium on 1

November in the League Cup clash.

Zouma claimed that the club was not affected by his departure as they already were sure that he would leave, but did also praise the

Hammers’ new summer additions which have all more than filled the void left by Rice, especially James Ward-Prowse who has the

second most goal contributions in the side.

As the new Hammers captain, Zouma is certainly taking to the role well, but he has big boots to fill this season.