Hammers legend Tony Carr has sent an emotional West Ham message to Declan Rice for England's Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Declan Rice may have burned a few bridges with a minority of West Ham fans by joining London rivals Arsenal.

But Rice showed in his England press conference before the biggest game of his life what West Ham still means to him.

The former Hammers captain, now taking a starring role at Arsenal, referenced his Europa Conference League final triumph with his former club as a huge inspiration going into England's Euro 2024 final against Spain.

Rice called on Gareth Southgate and the Three Lions to use the Hammers' European success as a template.

And he says leading West Ham to a first major trophy for 43 years remains one of the best days of his life.

Now Rice is setting his sights on ending England's own 58-year wait for glory.

When Rice started to become a regular in the West Ham side after graduating from the club's famous academy, lofty comparisons were made with one very famous Hammers legend.

MORE WEST HAM STORIESMany supporters felt Rice was the closest they had seen to West Ham and England royalty Bobby Moore.

Not just as a player but as a character and the way he conducted himself too.

But while that wasn't to be, those who still retain an affiliation with and admiration for Rice are taking pride in seeing him play a key role in England's journey to the final.

One of those is none other than the club's legendary former Academy of Football director.

Tony Carr has sent an emotional West Ham message to Rice for the Euro final.

There are perhaps not many clubs in the country where the director of the academy holds legendary status.

But at West Ham - the self-styled Academy of Football - that is certainly the case when it comes to Carr.

He became one of the most revered youth coaches in football as he served West Ham for 43 years.

That spanned from the time of the great Moore through to Rice.

The Daily Mail (page 98 printed edition), has put together a series of messages from meaningful figures in the lives of each England star.

Carr has provided one to Rice and says West Ham legend and England's only ever major trophy winning captain Moore would be proud of him and his teammates.

He also told Rice he was destined for this from the moment Carr picked him up following his release by Chelsea.

"It was a no-brainer to sign you when Chelsea let you go," Carr said.

"Even at 14, you looked people in the eye and understood the job asked of you.

I was fortunate when I was a West Ham apprentice to know Bobby Moore, who had just won the World Cup.

"If Bobby was here now, he would be absolutely chuffed to see England in the final, and I'm sure he would tell you to go out and do what you're good at.

"Bring it home, Declan!".