PRAGUE – As Declan Rice cradled the Europa Conference League trophy in his arms, the West Ham captain could reflect on the end of a 43-year odyssey.

It is also the start of a new chapter in his inspirational story.

In what was his last game for the Hammers, the midfielder bowed out in fairy-tale fashion as Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute winner clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory against Fiorentina in Prague on Wednesday.

Written off by Chelsea as a teenager and doubted even by the club where he eventually made his name, Rice will go down in history as only the third man to lift major silverware in West Ham colours.

Bobby Moore hoisted the 1964 FA Cup and 1965 Cup Winners’ Cup, while Billy Bonds was skipper when the team won the 1975 and 1980 FA Cups.

“I’m still in shock. It’s incredible,” said Rice.

“I love this club, they’ve made me one of their own.

“There is interest from other clubs. Let’s wait and see. Who knows.”

West Ham chairman David Sullivan confirmed on Thursday that the player will leave in the close season.

As Rice blinked away tears of joy, the 24-year-old knew that he would be leaving the Czech capital facing a defining moment in his career.

He has made it clear he wants to play in the Champions League, something currently beyond the wildest dreams of West Ham, who finished 14th in the Premier League this season.

He is valued at around £100 million (S$168 million), but that will not deter Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the race for his signature.

Rice’s rise to stardom began with a kick in the teeth when he was released by Chelsea in 2014 after eight years with their youth academy.

Even after joining West Ham, he was the only player in his year group given a scholarship without the offer of a guaranteed professional contract.

But over 200 appearances later, with a Europa Conference League medal around his neck, Rice has proved all the doubters wrong.

Meanwhile, his usually taciturn manager gave voice to his own feelings following a victory that could have saved his job.

Reports last week suggested David Moyes might be sacked if West Ham lost the final after a troubled domestic season. But the 60-year-old has surely earned a reprieve with the first major trophy of his career.

Since becoming a manager 25 years ago, his only silverware had been the 2000 third-tier title with Preston and the 2013 Community Shield at Manchester United.

“I’ve had a long career and you don’t get many moments like this,” said Moyes, who celebrated on the Eden Arena pitch with his 87-year-old father.

“The minute Jarrod went through I was edging down the touchline,” added the Scot, whose jubilation had the hallmarks of some of Jose Mourinho’s exuberant celebrations.

“I couldn’t do the full Mourinho... I can’t slide on my knees and the grass was a bit dry, I didn’t want to fall on my belly.” 

Bowen was also overwhelmed by his emotions.

“I obviously dreamt of scoring but to score the winner in the last minute. It’s what you always want to do,” he said. “I thought I was going to cry. I’m just happy.”

Said Benrahma had opened the scoring for West Ham as he converted a penalty on 62 minutes. Giacomo Bonaventura levelled five minutes later, but in the end it was Bowen’s goal that mattered.

West Ham have also clinched a spot in next season’s Europa League with the win.

The fans of both teams made their presence felt in a noisy atmosphere. The referee had to stop play in the first half after West Ham fans threw cups at Fiorentina’s Cristiano Biraghi, hitting the defender on the head and drawing blood.

The Hammers have “condemned” the behaviour in a statement.

Before the game, Prague police said they had detained 16 people as Fiorentina supporters attacked West Ham fans in a bar. Three people suffered light injuries.

AFP, REUTERS