James Collins suggested that he wished he had the chance to say a proper goodbye to everyone at West Ham after he left the club in the summer of 2018, when speaking exclusively to BBC Sport.
The 36-year-old enjoyed two separate spells with the Hammers, and made 214 appearances in all competitions for the east London outfit.
Affectionately known as ‘Ginge’, Collins was a real fan favourite at West Ham. His committed approach to the game was symbolic of the Hammers’ working-class support.
And they were gutted to see the Welshman released just over 12 months ago.
West Ham have certainly missed Collins since he left the club.
And the centre-back explained how he wishes that he had been given a proper chance to say goodbye to everyone at the club, when speaking exclusively to BBC Sport:
“I would have liked the chance to say bye to who I wanted to. Just to have one chance to say: ‘thanks for everything’. And unfortunately that hasn’t happened. To walk out after 11 years and to not be able to show some sort of gratitude is the only gripe I’ve got.”
What Collins says is spot on. He really should have been told previously that he was going to be released in the summer.
The Welshman could then have said his goodbyes to everyone at the club, as well as the fans.
The West Ham faithful will always remember Collins for the warrior that he was, however. And his time in east London will never be forgotten by the Hammers fans.
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