“I am absolutely devastated to see West Ham relegated”

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has expressed his deep sadness at seeing his former club West Ham demoted on the final day of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Despite celebrating the title win with Arsenal, Rice showed his strong emotional connection with the Hammers, calling them a club that “means a lot” to him.

The 27-year-old left West Ham for Arsenal in 2023 for a club record fee, but has never hidden his love for the east London team.

leading to instagramRice sent a message to West Ham fans, admitting he is “gutted” to see them relegated.

“I’m absolutely gutted to see West Ham relegated,” he said.

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“A club that really means a lot to me. As I said before, I wouldn’t be where I am today without everything the club has done for me.

“That said, I have no doubt they will be back where they belong in the Premier League before long. I will always support them.”

West Ham relegation drama

West Ham United were relegated from the Premier League to the Championship on 24 May 2026, ending a 14-year stay in the top flight.

Despite a 3-0 win over Leeds on the final day, results elsewhere meant they finished in 18th place, alongside Burnley and Wolves.

The club finished with 39 points under Nuno Espírito Santo.

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The Nuño factor

Nuno Espirito Santo was brought in in September as Potter’s replacement when the club was already in 19th place. While Nuno brought some early improvements and lifted the team out of last place, the team struggled for consistency and had an atrocious run between November and January, accumulating just four points out of 30 available.

Managerial turnover was exacerbated by poor, often contradictory, investment in transfers following the sale of Declan Rice, making it difficult for coaches to establish a consistent style of play.

The team lacked pace and depth, and failed to adapt to the changing tactics of different coaches.