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Declan Rice's desire to play at the top level was the driving force behind his difficult decision to leave West Ham.

The 24-year-old's departure from the club he joined ten years ago in a club-record £105 million deal, making him the most expensive English player in history, was confirmed by West Ham United ahead of his imminent move to Arsenal.

Rice's final act as a West Ham player was to become only the third captain in their history, after Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, to lift a major trophy, following last month's Europa Conference League triumph over Fiorentina.

The England international is keen to play in the Champions League, which Arsenal can offer him.

In a letter to fans, Rice said his goodbyes after “an absolute whirlwind of emotion” over the last few weeks.

“I want you to know how tough a decision it has been for me to leave an environment that I have loved and cherished so much,” he said.

“This club and its supporters will always be in my heart, and forever a part of who I am.

“Ultimately, though, it has only ever been about my ambition to play at the very highest level of the game.

“Playing on the opposite team to West Ham for the first time will be an unusual experience.

“I’m not sure yet exactly how I will feel, but I also know you will all understand and respect that my professional loyalties have to now lie with my new club.”

Last month, joint-chairman David Sullivan revealed that the club had an agreement with Rice to allow him to leave this summer after the player turned down a lucrative new contract.

“I am sorry to see Declan leave us but I believe that everyone at West Ham United should be very proud of the part we have played in his journey from the Academy of Football at Chadwell Heath to becoming the most valuable young player in English football,” he said in a statement.

“I would like to make it clear to our supporters that we did not want to sell Declan. We wanted to build our team around him and made a series of improved, long-term contract offers to secure his future.

“However, once Declan made it clear that he wished to move on and seek a new challenge, the club felt it would not be right to stand in his way, acting in the best interests of West Ham United.”

Rice made 245 appearances for the club, his last helping secure a first trophy since 1980, and manager David Moyes was understandably sad to see him leave.

“I’d like to personally thank Declan for everything he has done during his time at West Ham United” he said.