WEST HAM star Declan Rice opened up about his bond with idol and Chelsea legend John Terry.
Rice, who started out at the Blues’ academy, revealed Terry called him when he was 14 years old after he was let go from the club’s youth system.
The star midfielder, who has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge during the summer, stated the he and the former England international speak “all the time”.
Rice told Gary Neville’s Overlap podcast when asked who his childhood idol is: “John Terry. I speak to him a lot. I speak to him all the time really.
“For me growing up being a Chelsea fan, having a season ticket there, going to all the games, being in the academy.
“Just him, looking at him, everything was JT as a kid. JT26 on the back.
“Even when I was younger I said if I make it I want to be No26, but I feel like as I’ve got older now I’ve grown out of that – it would look a bit creepy!
‘He was amazing for me when I got released as well, he picked up the phone – he didn’t have to, I was only 14 at the time and I was speaking to my idol – so yeah, we’ve got a good relationship.”
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Terry quickly responded to Rice’s comments, posting a link to the chat with Neville on social media and adding: “Love ya mate.”
The England international, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United, also admitted that his family has always supported Chelsea.
Rice added: “Yeah, growing up the whole family was Chelsea.
“I feel like it’s out there – everyone knows, it’s well documented.
“But I feel like when you play for a club like West Ham you become really affiliated to it, and there’s part of me now – and my family as well – that is a massive West Ham fan.”
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