Jarrod Bowen issues statement to West Ham fans as future in the balance after relegation | OneFootball

Forward’s future with the club in flux after relegation ignominy as Declan Rice weighs in

Jarrod Bowen insists West Ham have the necessary ‘desire and fight’ to earn an immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

The Irons were relegated on Sunday despite beating Leeds 3-0 on the final day of the Premier League season, with Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Everton putting safety out of reach.

Bowen captained the side throughout this chastening campaign, and his own future with the club is now in doubt. Speaking after the Leeds match, he suggested he planned to help the club through its first season in the Championship, but he is subject to interest from various Premier League sides.

The same is true of Nuno Espirito Santo, who is expected to leave the club after failing to help them dodge relegation.

With such change afoot, Bowen backed the Irons to get back into English football’s top table.

“It’s hard to post something like this when all you’re feeling is embarrassment and pain,” he began, writing on Instagram. “I could write loads trying to explain where it all went wrong this season, but honestly what you deserve from me is an apology.

“Winning that trophy in Prague was the best night of my career. Sunday was the worst.

He continued, thanking supporters for their continuous support as he predicted an immediate bounce back to the top flight: “One thing I know about this club is that it has the desire and fight to bounce back from this. This club belongs in the Premier League and deserves to be back there as soon as possible.”

Arsenal’s Declan Rice also sent West Ham a message of support. The midfielder was crowned Premier League champion on Sunday as his former club, whom he left to join Arsenal in a £100m transfer in 2023, were condemned to the drop.

Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen

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He helped the Irons win the Conference League that same year, playing alongside Bowen, and joined his ex-team-mate in backing the club to bounce back to the Premier League.

“I’m absolutely gutted to see West Ham relegated,” he wrote. “A club that really does mean so much to me.

“As I said before, I wouldn’t be where I am today without everything the club has done for me.

“With that being said, I have no doubt they’ll be back where they belong in the Premier League in no time.

“I will be supporting always.”

Rice will challenge for the second European title of his career as he faces Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday.