Hammers 👋
Flashscore published a really nice exclusive interview with Pablo Zabaleta, and there’s a section where he looks back on his three years at West Ham — with loads of affection for the club, the fans, and East London.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ubzz6w8JJ60
After leaving City, you joined West Ham. How do you remember that chapter?
"Very fondly. It was a completely different environment, of course — coming from a club where every season begins with genuine expectations of winning trophies, to one that is often fighting for its position in the league. But I was 33 at the time and looking for something different.
"West Ham had always been a tough ground to visit — the atmosphere at the old Upton Park was something else. And moving to London was a wonderful change for my family as well. At that stage of your career, you start to think beyond just football — about quality of life, about what the city offers your family away from the game.
"I spent three years there, worked under (Slaven) Bilic, David Moyes, and Manuel Pellegrini, whom I already knew from City. There were some genuinely difficult moments — periods where we were looking over our shoulders at the relegation zone — but equally some memorable ones.
"The London Stadium holds 60,000 fans, and they filled it for every home game. East London is West Ham, through and through. Walking around Canary Wharf, you'd see the claret and blue everywhere. It was a great experience, and I remain very fond of the club."
Are you following them this season?
"Absolutely.
"It has been a very difficult season for them, but they have shown some good form recently. They are only a point or two behind Nottingham Forest and even Tottenham, who are also struggling. I genuinely hope they stay up. I still know people at the club, and I have a lot of warmth for West Ham.
"They won the Conference League, which was a historic moment for them, and a club like that deserves to be in the Premier League."
You can check here.
by flashscoreofficial