Cobham’s academy graduate and West Ham midfielder, Declan Rice confirmed his growth in the Chelsea environs and his wishes to return to the club that thought him.

Chelsea has shown massive interest in Rice and are still keen on bringing him to the Bridge in the coming summer transfer window, despite interest by harsh rivals, Manchester United.

The present 23-year-old was released from Chelsea academy when he was 14-year-old but he still has a growing connection with the team, mentioning that his family is affiliated to the London team.

“Growing up, the whole family was Chelsea,” Rice said. “I feel like it’s out there, everyone knows, it’s well documented.

“But I feel like when you play for a club like West Ham you become really affiliated to it, and there’s part of me now – and my family as well – that is a massive West Ham fan.”

In his interview with former England international, Gary Neville, Rice revealed he doesn’t want to leave his Chelsea-near London environs anytime soon.

“I’m here all the time,” Rice explained, admitting that he still lives close to where he grew up. “I’ve always wanted to stay close to this place, I feel like I don’t want to lose my roots.”

Rice also revealed that growing up, he had a special admiration for former Chelsea captain, John Terry.

“I speak to him a lot. I speak to him all the time really,” he said.

“For me growing up being a Chelsea fan, having a season ticket there, going to all the games, being in the academy. Just him, looking at him, everything was JT as a kid. JT 26 on the back. Even when I was younger I said if I make it I want to be No 26, but I feel like as I’ve got older now I’ve grown out of that – it would look a bit creepy!

“He was amazing for me when I got released as well, he picked up the phone – he didn’t have to, I was only 14 at the time and I was speaking to my idol – so yeah, we’ve got a good relationship.”