Declan Rice has spoken out on abuse he has received following his decision to switch international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England.
The West Ham United midfielder chose to represent England in February, having made three friendly appearances for the Republic of Ireland beforehand.
Rice, who was born in London but has Irish grandparents, sparked outrage following his decision, with former Ireland international Kevin Kilbane slamming the youngster for his lack of loyalty.
And the 20-year-old has discussed the torrent of abuse he has received since making his decision.
He told ITV News: 'Yeah I've had a few bad bits, I've had people saying they're going to come to my house... yeah online.
'There's a few bits I could go into but I don't need to go into it, threats to my family, threats to me.
'They're just like, you click on their profile and they'd just be like a fake profile so [you] don't know whether it's true or not.
'We're in 2019 and it's happening week in week out, it's not good enough, we need to stamp our authority better.'
Rice said the abuse affected his family most, saying that his 'focus' on his tasks on the pitch helped him to ignore the threats and abuse.
The defensive midfielder also responded to comments made by Sky Sports pundit and former England assistant coach Gary Neville in regards to his switch of allegiance. The former Manchester United captain had said the move 'didn't feel right'.
'It hasn't been difficult at all, everyone has obviously got an opinion on things but you know what? I really don't listen to any of it,' he said.
'Obviously, what Gary Neville said as well, he can have that opinion if he wants and I can't change that but now I am playing for England, you know I'm going to do everything I can to play the best I can for this country.'
England face Kosovo in the Euro 2020 qualifiers on Tuesday at St Mary's Stadium.
posdinptz
0
This guy played for the u16-u21 then played 3 senior friendly matches for Ireland, was singing rebel songs, and was saying up the English on social media!!! And then when he got a bit of attention he kissed Ireland goodbye for England! That's why the Irish are angry! Good luck with this snake!
Perfectly put 👍
posdinptz
1
He said " for this country" .... He's a joke
ManU_ROI_4Ever
2
You fucking deserve them threats
ManU_ROI_4Ever
0
Ya up the tribesmen
Same here lad
GoldExpert1000
0
As an Irish person it pisses me off because we fought wars and rising (which failed) but we still gained independence and him switching to England is just a no for every Irish person
Ya up the tribesmen
ManU_ROI_4Ever
0
As an Irish person it pisses me off because we fought wars and rising (which failed) but we still gained independence and him switching to England is just a no for every Irish person
Are you from Galway lad?
GoldExpert1000
2
As an Irish person it pisses me off because we fought wars and rising (which failed) but we still gained independence and him switching to England is just a no for every Irish person
license
0
The FA shouldn't of gone anywhere near this sympathiser. Disgusting
You guys caused it
sinecurea
0
Ah this guy played for ireland in the u16 till the u21! Then he switched to England! Oh and he was saying a ton of not si nice things about England at the time aswell
How abt the 3 senior caps he has
Buffaloe
0
Ireland need to start producing IRISH players and stop trying to recruit English players that aren't good enough for England but happen to have an Irish grandparent somewhere along the line.
We are entitled to go for players north of the border because of the good Friday agreement
Solomans
0
Completely unacceptable that he would be threatened but how does one put on the jersey of one country and then feel comfortable putting on the jersey of another country? That to me is unfathomable unless you're an untrustworthy person.
Maybe when you're half of each it doesn't seem like such a big deal.
Armstrongrno
1
No says me an Irish person who would never let anyone related to me play for that team
Anniballi
2
International football and sport is a farce , it no longer has any relevance , when you can virtually play for or compete for , any country you choose !
loveme
0
I doubt it. Getting carried away with himself now.
Sambill
3
Maybe the RA could give you a bit of protection Declan.
Dior226
2
If his parents were from Jamaica and he chose to play for that country, he would not be criticised! He played for Ireland, he should have stayed with them!
Timothyer
2
He will never be English. He chose Ireland. Thats enough for me
yusuon
2
The FA shouldn't of gone anywhere near this sympathiser. Disgusting
everyones
3
Need to stamp players like you out of the game. Never come to Ireland
badminton
3
This guy played for the u16-u21 then played 3 senior friendly matches for Ireland, was singing rebel songs, and was saying up the English on social media!!! And then when he got a bit of attention he kissed Ireland goodbye for England! That's why the Irish are angry! Good luck with this snake!
background
0
Ah this guy played for ireland in the u16 till the u21! Then he switched to England! Oh and he was saying a ton of not si nice things about England at the time aswell
Bertrams
1
If your Irish your Irish. You haven't done yourself any favours by walking away from them now.
Trishyelko
1
In my opinion he should made the decision what he feels once and once only Swapping countries is a joke From a West Ham fan
yummyy
1
Ireland need to start producing IRISH players and stop trying to recruit English players that aren't good enough for England but happen to have an Irish grandparent somewhere along the line.
Christiansmo
1
This lad isn't great to be honest! Don't think he'll play for England for too long
Salario
1
Wouldn't trust this snake as far as I could throw him. Can't stand the guy, wish he would never put on the England shirt ever again
Glennbrown
0
As if someone would bother going over to England from Ireland to damage his house! Nobody cares that much he would have been an excellent addition but everyone knew deep down he wouldn't choose Ireland. All that being said there should be no threats whatsoever whether they are genuine or not!
Rencontre
0
People saying they will go to his house is just wrong. Playing for Rep Ireland then changing your mind to play for England is just wrong.
Lovemessi
0
Stop spoofing. Nobody in Ireland wanted people who do not have the passion of Irish players
Cynthiares
2
Wasn't that long ago he was singing The Soldiers Song .
JamesHarden521
1
Completely unacceptable that he would be threatened but how does one put on the jersey of one country and then feel comfortable putting on the jersey of another country? That to me is unfathomable unless you're an untrustworthy person.
29356899(deleted)
0
Who cares what he does. We don't need people like that .