At West Ham, I was the last person to be offered a scholarship. I remember an Under 18 match against Fulham. I was 16 and had to prove myself. Everyone else already had their scholarship. It was probably one of my best games. Knowing that every day I'd have to fight has made me into the person I am today.
— Declan Rice
As you can hear, I am English - I am from England - and it was really good playing for Ireland.
I like to do the simple things really well, keep the ball ticking.
I only ever wanted to be a footballer.
The call-up is one of the best feelings you're ever going to feel.
I've seen comparisons between myself and Bobby Moore. It's nice to be told there are similarities, but nobody will come close to him - what a player, what a man!
The likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling - they give you all the confidence you need. They give you little pats on the back, tell you you're doing well.
I've always been good at handling stuff mentally.
I had to move away from home at 14 and live in a club house in Romford for three years, only seeing my mum and dad twice a week.
