West Ham ace Declan Rice is out to banish the ghost of last season’s European semifinal exit when they host AZ Alkmaar in Thursday night’s Europa Conference League final-four first leg.
Last year, it was heartbreak for the Hammers in the Europa League as they missed out on a final spot to eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt.
But buoyed by last weekend’s morale-boosting 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester United, Rice says he and his manskappe are buzzing.
A European semi-final at London Stadium awaits.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 10, 2023
We will see you there, Hammers ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/gvK6rk6Hsr
He explains: “We played a really good team [on Sunday] and we’ll play another one on Thursday in AZ. Everyone’s got to be ready to help us get to a final.
Preparing for tomorrow's European semi-final at Rush Green 🏃♂️ pic.twitter.com/BScb4fmdEK
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 10, 2023
“The semifinal is so big. Last year we got to one and we know what it feels like. In football, that’s what it’s all about.
"I have always said that I want to take this Club to a final" 🏆
Moyes on making history, building on our win v Manchester United and tomorrow's massive match 🗣️
“Us at West Ham, we’ve not won one [a major trophy] for years so we’re looking to stamp our authority.”
dailyvoice@inl.co.za