Declan Rice says his need to play Champions League football is ‘urgent’

"It is as urgent as possible."

Declan Rice spoke of his need to play Champions League football 'as urgent as possible' with West Ham United chasing a top-four finish this season. The England international, who reportedly is valued at £100m by his club, was named the Premier League Player of the Year at Thursday night’s London Football Awards. West Ham currently sit two points off fourth place with 11 Premier League games to play. It has been reported that if the Hammers don't achieve a top-four finish, Rice will look to leave in the summer.

Declan Rice highlights the importance of playing Champions League football.

The former Republic of Ireland international didn't hold back when he discusses his want to play in the Champions League. Rice made it clear that, with or without West Ham, he wants to play in Europe's most prestigious club competition one day.

"It is as urgent as possible. I feel like, not only for me, that's for every young player as well," Rice told The Evening Standard about his desire to play in Europe's top club competition.

“We are really close with West Ham at the minute and last season it was gutting to lose out on it but we are pushing. We’ll keep going. "Champions League is a big aim of mine and hopefully one day I can play in it and do well." https://twitter.com/WestHam/status/1499473112294903808

Rice on his credentials.

The England international highlighted his achievements in comparison to his age. Rice has played 157 Premier League games so far in his career. The 23-year-old has also accumulated 27 caps for the Three Lions since 2019. He was a mainstay in England's midfield as they reached the final of Euro 2020 - losing to Italy on penalties. He also said that he believes he can play at any level in world football. “I feel like I am one of the established top players around the world. I am only 23, so I am still young — that’s what I mean in that sense. "In terms of my playing ability and the way I’ve performed consistently. I see myself as an established player now who’s got good experience and can play at any level if required.”

Rice plays down his transfer value.

Manchester United and Chelsea are both said to be interested in signing the player from West Ham The Hammers midfielder laughed off the valuation of £100m and said he wants to keep his feet on the ground and let the football do the talking. “You hear those numbers and for me it is crazy," Rice said. "All I can do is go out there and perform, regardless of the price tag. "I just need to focus on playing well and performing at the best level I can.”

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