“The advice he gives me is invaluable.”
Declan Rice has been speaking about John Terry’s influence on his career.
The West Ham United star has caught the attention of football fans after his impressive performances this season.
Rice, who turns 20 later this month, has been an integral part of Manuel Pellegrini’s team, playing at the base of midfield despite coming through as a central defender.
Rice’s composure and understanding of the game are exemplary and he looks set to have an excellent career.
Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly monitoring his progress but the Londoner recently signed a new deal with the Hammers.
Rice joined West Ham in 2014 after he was released by Chelsea.
Terry was Chelsea’s captain at the time and Rice has said that the England legend helped him through the difficult period.
“John was helpful when I was at Chelsea,” Rice told The Evening Standard.
“We would go over to the first-team building and, because I was quite a lively character, I got on well with him. Then, after I had left, we bumped into each other in Kingston and he didn’t know I’d been released. That night I had a message from him saying he wanted to speak to me.
“A couple of days later he called and I was on the phone for half an hour and he was really positive. He said, ‘Do everything you can to be the best, never stop’.”
Rice said that he and Terry, who is currently working as Aston Villa’s assistant manager, remain close and they still meet up.
“To have that call from him, an idol of mine, was just special and we still see each other now. We meet up for breakfast now and then, go for a coffee. The advice he gives me is invaluable.”
Declan Rice played so good tonight, you know what's happening now https://t.co/qaoYrQbmSm
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) December 27, 2018
Rice also said in the interview that he will make a decision on his international future “soon.”
The midfielder has three caps for the Republic of Ireland, but as the appearances came in friendlies, he is eligible to switch allegiance to England, the country of his birth.
Rice has met with Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and England coach Gareth Southgate. If Terry, a former England captain, has offered him advice on this subject, it might not be good news for Ireland fans.
