Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice says he had no push back from West Ham when wanting to leave for the Gunners this summer.

Rice admits he spoke with West Ham chief Mark Noble before leaving for Arsenal.

He recalled to Four Four Two: “I called David Moyes and we had a really nice conversation. I felt like we owed it to each other to speak – I have so much respect for him. I talked to Nobes, too: it was a hard one for him because he's Mr West Ham, but he was buzzing for me.

"He was so happy that I could push myself and compete in the Champions League this year. He said, 'It's nothing more than you deserve'. Some of the players messaged me as well – I had plenty of replies in the group chat we shared together, I was taken aback.

"They're all such close friends of mine and I speak to them regularly. I texted the manager ahead of the first game this season, simply to say, 'Good luck for the season and see you soon'. He replied, which was nice."

Rice added: “It'll be pretty strange when I play against West Ham this season, because there are so many lads I know and get on with – they'll be saying stuff on the pitch, I'm sure!" Rice added. “We've got them at the Emirates Stadium first, then at the London Stadium later in the season. It'll be brilliant to go back there and see everyone."