Declan Rice is a West Ham legend like Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, claims Joe Cole

Declan Rice stands alongside Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds as one of West Ham’s greatest ever players, claims Joe Cole.

Rice led West Ham to a Europa Conference League victory in Prague on Wednesday, beating Fiorentina to win the east London club their first piece of silverware in 58 years.

A former West Ham player himself, Cole has no doubt that Rice, who was vague when asked if it was his last game for the club amid interest from Arsenal and Man United, has solidified himself in the pantheon of big ones.

“Declan Rice is a special player, an absolutely special player, a special character,” Cole said BT Sports.

“He now stands on the shoulders with Billy Bonds and Bobby Moore. I can say that.’

Rice has been compared to iconic former West Ham captain Bobby Moore (front, center)

Billy Bonds (left, holding the trophy) is another of West Ham’s all-time greatest players

Pressed for what makes him so good, Cole added: ‘I know how good a player he is. I saw him as a young boy when they kindly let me train with the youth team. I saw this young, spotty Herbert in midfield running rings around me, and I was 36. I thought, ‘It’s about time I put them up, Colely!’

‘I knew it when I spoke to him. Forget the playing ability and what he can do on the pitch, his personality, I knew he was going to be a leader.

“He has been here four or five years now and has written his name in the history of this football club. Like I said, he’s right next to the great Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds. Fair play to him, I’m so happy for him.’

Moore won three trophies while playing for West Ham, winning the FA Cup in 1963-64, the FA Charity Shield in 1964 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1964-65.

For Bonds, he was a two-time FA Cup winner – 1974–75 and 1979–80 – as well as Second Division champion in 1980–81, with West Ham.

When those iconic comparisons were made to Rice, he was at a loss for words.

He said, “It’s crazy to even be in that conversation.

“I’ve given my heart over the past six years playing for this club. I would give anything to help this club win. We haven’t had it easy.

“We have had to deal with relegation. Now to win this, to potentially be in that category. I don’t want to say too much. I’ll get too excited.’

Rice wore the Prague captain’s armband as West Ham won the Europa Conference League

One thing Rice was less eager to talk about was his future – with talks intensifying that it could be his last game for the club.

“Right now there’s a lot of speculation about my future,” Rice admitted.

“Of course there is interest from other clubs, there is, but in the end I still have two years left at West Ham.

“I love this club, I love playing for this club and nothing has happened yet, so look, my focus is on playing for West Ham, enjoying tonight and seeing what happens. I’m captain of this club, I absolutely love it and I can’t say enough about the place. Let’s wait and see what happens.

Asked if this was the perfect farewell if it turns out to be his last game for West Ham, Rice added: ‘Let’s wait and see, who knows?’

Mail Sport has previously reported this Rice will prioritizing a move to stay in the Premier League this summer.

Arsenal are expected to make an opening bid of around £90m for Rice as West Ham have finished their season by winning the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.

Rice is believed to be based in London, which could give the Gunners an advantage over Man United who are chasing one of Rice’s best friends, Mason Mount.

He was immediately asked if it was his last game for the club and refused to be drawn for it