Declan Rice has outlined his commitment to West Ham for picking him up after his release by Chelsea.

Rice has told his story of disappointment and redemption so many times before. His heartbreak, at 14, of being released by Chelsea, to his delight at training with and signing with West Ham in the days that followed.

“It was extremely tough," he told whufc.com. “I was 14 and it was all I'd ever known, really, being at one club. To get the setback at that age, it was really tough.

“But I can say that, once I knew West Ham wanted me, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to come here and I can proudly say now that it was probably the best decision I ever made.

“I got released on the Wednesday night and I trained here the next night on the Astro outside at Chadwell Heath. I remember my dad being pulled aside after one training session and being told the Club wanted to sign me."

On being with England at the World Cup, he added: "U18s coach Mark Phillips always texts me when I go to an England camp and he says 'don't ever take it for granted'. It's true because one day I'll be sat at home, probably with a beer belly, and hopefully I'll be watching a few of these current West Ham youngsters playing for England.

“But these are the best moments of your life. I'm 23 now and I don't think I've hit where I can go to yet. I just want to get as many England caps as is possible."