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• West Ham midfielder says decision was ‘extremely difficult’
• ‘I have equal respect and love for both England and Ireland’

Declan Rice has submitted a written request to Fifa to transfer his registration from the Republic of Ireland to England, ending a long-running saga over his international allegiance.

The West Ham midfielder, whose consistently impressive displays this season have caught the eye, was born in Kingston-upon-Thames but his paternal grandparents are from Cork and he excelled for Ireland at junior level. The 20-year-old progressed to gain three senior caps, but all in friendly fixtures, permitting him to declare for the country of his birth.

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from Football | The Guardian http://bit.ly/2Golp3I