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West Ham captain Rice: We're all proud to reach ECL final

West Ham captain Declan Rice admits he's full of pride reaching the Europa Conference League final.

Rice and his teammates face Leeds United today.

And he wrote in today's match programme notes: "Today marks our final home match of the 2022/23 season – a long and unforgettable one in West Ham United history!

"When we step out to face Fiorentina in the UEFA Europa Conference League final in Prague on Wednesday 7 June, it will be 304 days since we hosted Manchester City in our first Premier League match – that's exactly ten months!

"But I'm certainly not complaining because we are in a European final and I could not be happier and prouder. But the job is not done. Now, we want to go there and win the trophy.

"As captain, I try to lead the lads, but it's not just me, I just wear the armband and I've got 22 players, staff and people who allow us to go and do what we've done. To wear the armband for this Club, I know how big it is, I really know how big it is.

"I'm hoping to finish the season on a high now. We've obviously got two Premier League games left but ultimately the big one is the seventh of June and we'll give it absolutely everything.

"You can say the pressure has lifted because we've created history, regardless. To get to a final for the first time in 47 years, every one of us will be remembered in West Ham's fans' hearts and our history."

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Paul Vegas

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