Former West Ham United player and assistant manager Stuart Pearce has defended midfielder and captain Declan Rice following his recent Champions League comments.
On Thursday in a press conference ahead of England's round of 16 clash in the 2022 World Cup against Senegal, Rice spoke out about wanting to continue playing in the biggest matches.
While showing his ambition, he did say that he wanted to be playing in the biggest games more regularly, having reached sixth and seventh in the Premier League and playing in a Europa League semi-final with West Ham, his highest achievement at club level.
READ MORE: Ollie Scarles among five youngsters who could save West Ham millions in future transfer windows
At international level however, it is a different story. Rice has already played in the final of the 2020 European Championships and could also get far in this year's World Cup, depending on how far England get.
But Rice's comments sparked controversy with many Hammers fans thinking it was disrespectful to be suggesting a potential move midway through a season, especially when West Ham are sat in 16th in the Premier League.
However, Pearce, who made 42 league appearances for West Ham between 1999 and 2001 and also served as Moyes' assistant manager at the London Stadium prior to leaving in the summer, believes that Rice does not owe West Ham anything and has the quality to match his ambition.
"He owes West Ham absolutely nothing, he's been brilliant," Pearce told talkSPORT. "He's driven them to two European campaigns, I don't think he'll be moving any time soon and when I say any time soon, I mean before next summer. That certainly won't be the case.
"The fact is, after this, depending on how far England go, if England go a long way in this tournament, he's putting himself in the shop window all the time which is a good thing. You want your players to call attention from other clubs elsewhere.
"He's an outstanding player and what player would turn around and say 'you know what, my ambition is not to play in the Champions League,' but I'd love to see him drive West Ham into Champions League football. He's got the world at his feet and I hope he keeps improving."
READ NEXT:
Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen among West Ham stars up for Fans' Footballer of the Year award
West Ham's Declan Rice drops transfer hint over his future amid Chelsea and Man United links
West Ham legend sends transfer message to David Moyes amid Declan Rice speculation
Stuart Pearce outlines his biggest Declan Rice frustration after England's win over Wales
Who is Callum Marshall? West Ham teenager profiled after first pro contract and Chelsea goal
