West Ham club captain Mark Noble has opened up on his feelings whilst watching teammate Declan Rice during Euro 2020.
The 22-year-old has played an integral part yet again as England reached the final with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Denmark.
After the match, Rice revealed that the night was cause for double celebration as the midfielder’s brother had welcomed a baby to the world just moments after Harry Kane netted what proved to be the winner.
Prior to the match at Wembley, Noble spoke to the club’s official website about what it has been like watching his teammate and deputy to the captaincy perform at the European Championships.
Twitter: “It’s been quite emotional for myself at times watching Declan at the Euros. I see him as a little brother.”
… https://t.co/cVaFrBvgGD (@WestHam)
Often left out of David Moyes’ starting lineup last season, the man known as ‘Mr West Ham’ handed the captains armband over to Rice on 24 occasions in the Premier League.
Overall Rice has made 145 appearances for the Hammers, some way short of the legendary 34-year-old’s 526 outings for the east Londoners.
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As Noble prepares to hang up his playing boots, there must surely be another spot immediately opening up.
Whether it be coaching, ambassadorial or otherwise, the club simply can’t allow a man with claret and blue running so deep to walk away.
As for Rice, Noble could be even more emotional on Sunday should his ‘younger brother’ lift a major trophy for England.
