Declan Rice has snapped back against claims he's 'given up' in his performances for West Ham this season.
The Hammers currently sit in 17th place in the Premier League, and are only outside the relegation spots on goal difference.
Some fans have squared their attacks firmly at England's defensive midfielder Rice, who has spurred rumours that he will leave the London Stadium at the end of the season to further his career.
On Instagram, one account wrote that in their opinion, Rice 'has given up'.
However, the 23-year-old, who has been part of the West Ham set-up since 2014, replied on the social media app.
Rice wrote: 'Keep reading little comments like these that are, 1. Funny & 2. Complete nonsense. I would never ever give up, for the fans or for the club.
'Of course things on a football pitch get tough! But especially as captain and wearing this shirt, I know exactly what it means to play for West Ham.'
After their 2-0 defeat to Brentford on Friday, manager David Moyes defended Rice from the social media criticism.
Moyes said: 'People can have their opinions, but Declan played fantastically well in midweek and he has done for nearly all the time I've been here.
'He's tried to drive us on and he did everything he could in midweek. I don't see it.'
Not all social media comments have been critical of Rice's dedication to the Hammers cause. A West Ham fan account tweeted: 'The fact people are claiming HE has given up is genuinely disgusting.
'ANYBODY who goes to games, especially away games will vouch that he is the one demanding people press, he is the one leading the side after we concede. He is the guy people turn to.'
Before Christmas, Sportsmail reported that West Ham had accepted internally that Rice was likely to leave the club in the summer, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all rumoured to be in the race for the midfielder's signature.
However, grumblings about the Hammers will continue until they manage to turn around their current run of form.
West Ham visit Leeds United in the Premier League on Wednesday night, before an FA Cup trip to London rivals Brentford on Saturday evening.
TheBigHammer
1
Rice has not given up. He continues to play his best and is the backbone of the team. But I see him as a man who is frustrated because he can’t rely on the players around him to perform at their best. There are several others who are just doing the basics, going through the motions, but have lost their spark. Moyes continues to play his favourites, including some who no longer deserve their place. While this goes on, the team will continue to struggle. Don’t blame Rice. One man does not make a team. Others need to step up.