Declan Rice Responds to James McClean’s “Overrated”Comment with Grace.
In a recent interview with the Belfast Telegraph, England midfielder Declan Rice responded to comments made by James McClean, who labelled him as ‘overrated’. Rice, who previously played alongside McClean for Ireland, addressed the situation with maturity and respect.
Rice recalled his time with McClean fondly, stating, “Do you know what? I played with James for Ireland for three games and I got on with him really well. I am not going to sit here and slag him off. I thought he was a really top guy.”
Reflecting on his decision to switch from Ireland to England, Rice acknowledged McClean’s displeasure at the time, “When I left Ireland to come to England, I heard a few things he was obviously not happy about. He made comments a few years ago. It is what it is. I am not going to sit here and say anything about him.”
Rice, who is currently 25, showed respect for the 35-year-old McClean’s career, noting, “He’s had a great career himself – I think he is coming to the end of his career now and he’s got over a hundred caps for Ireland.”
Despite the criticism, Rice chose not to retaliate, emphasising their different stages in life and careers, “It would be easy for me to sit here and say something back to him but, like I said, we are at opposite ends of our careers now – he’s 35 and I’m 25.”
He concluded by acknowledging the inevitability of differing opinions in his career, “I’ve known him, I’ve played with him, he’s entitled to his opinion and I’ve had to fight a load of those opinions from other people before.”
Rice’s response highlights his professionalism and respect for his former teammate, despite the criticism he has faced.
