West Ham defender Declan Rice revealed his desire to play more games next season and added that he wanted to stay at the club.
The Hammers’ utility man was asked what his plans for next year were after regularly featuring under David Moyes during the current campaign.
“I think I’ve played so many games this year y’know, I’m still progressing, still learning,” said Rice in an interview with talkSPORT’s Ian Abrahams, which was uploaded to talkSPORT’s SoundCloud.
“I want to stay at West Ham, and I want to keep playing.
“I think I’m good enough to play here, I think I’ve proven to the manager now that he can trust me and next season I want to try and get a full season under my belt.
“I’ll be happy to do that 100%.”
Rice has experienced a breakthrough campaign at the London Stadium this season, making 27 appearances across all competitions for the Hammers, and has quickly become a fan favourite.
The 19-year-old has been impressive in his outings so much so that he earned his first international cap in March.
The defender played for Republic of Ireland during their friendly match against Turkey, which they lost 1-0.
Despite having played a lot of games this season and wanting to play more next year, Rice dismissed the suggestion that he wouldn’t want to make more appearances as he would get tired.
“That’s a load of rubbish being tired y’know, we’re supposed to play 40 or 50 games a season, so I’m happy to do that,” stated Rice to talkSPORT.
The majority of Rice’s appearances have been as a centre-back in recent weeks, but the teenager is also capable of playing as central or defensive midfielder when called upon.
OPINION
Rice has a bright future at the London Stadium and it should make Hammers supporters happy that he wants to stay at the club. The 19-year-old is one of only a few players that can hold their head up high after the club have had an awful campaign this season. Rice has clearly benefited from more senior players failing to perform, as that gave him an opportunity to play, but the youngster will want his club to do better next season. For the sake of the club, the Hammers’ hierarchy better be scrambling to put together a new long-term contract for the teen, as other Premier League clubs will want to sign him in the future. Especially if he repeats his high standard of performances next season.