Declan Rice has revealed he was disappointed to be released by Chelsea as a kid – just days after hinting at a return to the Stamford Bridge side.
Rice has gone on to star for West Ham after coming through their academy, but it followed his release from Chelsea in 2014 after spending eight years – from 2006 – with the west London club.
The midfielder has now insisted that being let go was a 'major shock' but it did not stop him dreaming of being a professional footballer.
Rice (second from right) pictured during his academy days with the Stamford Bridge side
'I had to overcome a massive disappointment of being released by Chelsea at the age of 14,' Rice told Sky Sports' Soccer AM.