DECLAN RICE says his dreams to play in the Champions League are ‘urgent’ in a major transfer warning to West Ham.
The Hammers midfielder, 23, has been valued at £120million by boss David Moyes with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea showing an interest.
Rice says it is ‘as urgent as possible’ to play in the Champions League
Rice’s current deal with the club runs out in June 2024 – with no talks so far to extend.
And the England international has hinted yet again his future may lie away from the club after admitting he sees himself as one of the best players in the world.
Asked about his desire to win trophies and play in the Champions League, Rice said: “It is as urgent as possible. I feel like, not only for me, that’s for every young player as well.
“I see friends that are close to me, big players winning big trophies. You want to be a part of that. You want to be remembered in this career for what you’ve won.
“I feel like I am one of the established top players around the world. I am only 23.
“But in terms of my playing ability and the way I’ve performed consistently, I see myself as an established player now who’s got good experience and can play at any level if required.
“We are really close with West Ham at the minute and last season it was gutting to lose out on it but we are pushing.
“We’ll keep going. Champions League is a big aim of mine and hopefully one day I can play in it, and these moments I am having now can spur me on to be even better.”
West Ham are currently fifth – two points behind Man United in fourth – but the top four looks out of their control with Arsenal and Tottenham having games in hand.
Moyes’ men also came close last season before finishing sixth – and Rice has been a key figure for both club and country in recent seasons.
He lifted the Player of the Year at the London Football Awards on Thursday evening – three years after picking up the Young Player of the Year title.
£100MILLION VALUATION
Asked about his £100m valuation, Rice added: “You hear those numbers and for me it is crazy. All I can do is go out there and perform, regardless of the price tag.
“I just need to focus on playing well and performing at the best level I can.”
Rice revealed in an interview with Gary Neville on ‘The Overlap’ that he would like to remain in the capital – specifically near his family in west London.
He was brought up a Blues fan and was in their academy – alongside best pal Mason Mount – and his release before joining West Ham still acts as a motivator.
Rice said: “I was released by Chelsea at 14, that was a setback. I was nearly released by West Ham at 16, that was nearly a setback.
“I’ve had big games where we’ve lost, like the Euros final with England. It really spurs you on to want to improve.”
