Soccer-Midfielder Rice will leave West Ham, says chairman

Soccer Football - Europa Conference League - Final - Fiorentina v West Ham United - Eden Arena, Prague, Czech Republic - June 7, 2023 West Ham United's Declan Rice kisses the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Europa Conference League REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

(Reuters) - Declan Rice will leave West Ham United in the close season, chairman David Sullivan said on Thursday, a day after the midfielder captained the club to their first European trophy in 58 years.

Sullivan said a gentleman's agreement means Rice can leave despite a year remaining on his contract with the option to extend it by a further 12 months.