Declan Rice officially declared, that he’s willing to represent England national team on a senior level.
20-year-old West Ham player, who is a revelation of this Premier League season, has wondered about choosing the national team. His grandparents are Irish, but he is an Englishman, born and raised in London. He has played for Ireland junior teams, as well as he appeared on a pitch in the senior squad thrice, but he changed his mind. After conversations with family, friends, and both managers of national teams, Mick McCarthy and Gareth Southgate, he decided to write an official request to FIFA about changing the country he would like to represent. It is mandatory to do so, because he has 3 caps in green jersey.
The player explains his decision on his Twitter profile by doing what will be the best for his future. He claims, that his devotion to Ireland national team was 100% sincere. A lot of football players have a similar dilemma due to dual citizenship or their roots, what is especially often for Englishmen and Irishmen.
West Ham player took his first steps in Chelsea academy, but in 2014 he came under ‘The Hammers’ wings. He debuted in Premier League in 2017, against Burnley and has played 60 matches since. He plays as a centre-back or defensive midfielder and in the second role he proved himself well under Manuel Pellegrini.
Englishman’s great form drew attention of Tottenham and Liverpool, but the player just signed a new long-term contract with West Ham until 2024 and has no intention of changing the club in the nearest future.
[photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images/West Ham United]
