Declan Rice: West Ham starlet chooses England over Republic of Ireland
Declan Rice has pledged his international future to England.The West Ham midfielder has announced he wants to play for the Three Lions,after appearing in three friendly matches for the Republic of Ireland.
3Declan Rice has pledged his international future to England, despite playing for IrelandRice, 20, was born and raised in London but qualified for the Republic through his grandparents.He opted to play for the Republic at youth level, representing them from Under-16 to Under-21 level before being handed his senior debut in 2018.He went on to play a further two times for the Boys in Green but as none of the matches were competitive fixtures, he was still eligible to switch his allegiance under FIFA rules.Now, having held talks with England boss Gareth Southgate, Rice has decided to play for the country of his birth.It is a bitter blow for the Republic of Ireland and their new manager Mick McCarthy, with the youngster rated as one of the most promising players in the Premier League.Rice has been a standout performer for West Ham this season in a defensive midfield role, making 23 appearances in the top-flight.
3Declan Rice has been outstanding for England this seasonA statement released from Rice on Wednesday read: “This afternoon I telephoned both Mick McCarthy and Gareth Southgate to inform them of my decision to submit a written request to FIFA for the transfer of my international registration from the Republic of Ireland to England.“This has been an extremely difficult decision and, in all honesty, not one I ever expected to be making at this stage of my career. So much has happened, so quickly, in the past couple of years, from progressing through the West Ham United Academy to making my Premier League debut at the age of 18 in May 2017 and then being named in a full international squad just two days later.“In recent weeks and months, I have discussed the situation with the people who mean the most to me. My parents, my family, my girlfriend and my closest friends. I have also spoken to Martin ONeill and Mick McCarthy, Gareth Southgate and to friends and colleagues within the game whose opinion I respect. I am truly grateful for the support I have received in leading to this decision.“Like so many people around the world, I consider myself to be of mixed nationality. I am a proud Englishman, having been born and raised in London. However, I am just as proud of my familys Irish heritage and my affinity and connection with the country. “I have equal respect and love for both England and Ireland and therefore the national team I choose to represent is not a clear-cut, simple selection. Particularly not for a young lad who never dreamed of being in this position.“Ultimately, it is a personal decision that I have made with my heart and my head, based on what I believe is best for my future.“I fully accept that some Irish supporters will be disappointed by my decision, and that everyone has different opinions in regard to the rules around international representation. However, I hope that people can understand that I have made this decision with honesty, integrity and the full support of my family.“I would like to thank Mick McCarthy, Martin ONeill, all of the coaching staff and everyone associated with the FA of Ireland (with special thanks to Mark OToole), not only for their support and understanding throughout this period, but for the part they have played in my development as a young player.
3Mick McCarthy had been hoping to convince Declan Rice to play for the Republic of Ireland“My pride at wearing the Irish shirt was always 100% genuine. It was a great honour for myself and my family, and something I will always cherish.“I would also like to make it clear that, in requesting to transfer my national team representation, I am not taking for granted a call-up to the England squad or making any assumptions about my future international career. However, out of respect for the Republic of Ireland, I felt it was right to announce this decision now and put an end to the speculation.“I am still only 20 years old and there is a long road ahead of me. For now, my focus remains entirely on establishing myself as a Premier League player with West Ham United and working as hard as possible to improve and be successful.“In football, and in life, I have always tried to be completely honest and true to myself and my family at all times, and that is what I will continue to do.”Republic of Ireland manager McCarthy said: “Declan rang me today and said he has decided to give it a go with England. Good luck to him.”
West Ham United. On 16 December 2015, just over a year after joining West Ham United at youth level, Rice signed his first professional contract with the club. Rice received his first call-up to the West Ham senior squad for the games against Sunderland and Everton in April 2017, after impressing in the under-23 team.
Declan Rice: West Ham starlet chooses England over Republic of Ireland The 20-year-old has announced he has submitted a written request to FIFA to transfer his international registration By talkSPORT
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