DECLAN RICE has hit back at supporters who have claimed that he has “given up” in his performances for West Ham.
The Hammers have endured a miserable run of form that has seen them slip to 17th in the Premier League.
The 2-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday has left them outside of the relegation zone only on goal difference.
Some fans have been taking out their frustrations on social media by blasting their captain Rice’s recent displays.
With speculation mounting that he will leave West Ham, where he has played since 2014, one Instagram account even claimed that Rice “has given up”.
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But the England international has hit back at that after reading it himself on Instagram.
He wrote: “Keep reading little comments like these that are, 1. Funny & 2. Complete nonsense. I would never ever give up, for the fans or for the club.
“Of course things on a football pitch get tough! But especially as captain and wearing this shirt, I know exactly what it means to play for West Ham.”
His manager David Moyes has also publicly defended the player from social media criticism.
He said last week: “People can have their opinions, but Declan played fantastically well in midweek and he has done for nearly all the time I've been here.
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“He's tried to drive us on and he did everything he could in midweek. I don't see it.”
A host of clubs have been linked with moves for Rice over recent months.
Both Manchester United and City are believed to want to take him to the North West.
Meanwhile Chelsea, who released the ace as a youngster, are also keen on bringing him back to Stamford Bridge.
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West Ham are next in action tomorrow when they head to Leeds United in the Premier League before an FA Cup trip to Brentford on Saturday.