Callum Wilson has criticised Nuno Espirito Santo after reluctantly announcing he is leaving West Ham in the wake of relegation to the Championship.
When Callum Wilson smashed in a superb third in West Ham’s 3-0 win over Leeds last weekend, the celebrations were somewhat muted.
He, like everyone else in the London Stadium, knew the Hammers were about to be relegated with Tottenham 1-0 up against Everton.
But the goal only added to the sense of feeling that things could have been very different had Wilson played more for West Ham.
Wilson criticises Nuno in reluctant West Ham farewell post
Hammers News exclusively broke the news that Wilson was to join West Ham on a free transfer last summer.
Initially there was a backlash from Hammers fans, who did not like how Wilson had spoken about the club he scored more goals against than any other.
Nuno stays! Tell us how YOU are feeling about the big news!
Vote below 👇
That did not last long, though, as supporters got behind him and soon saw he was far from finished at the top level.
Almost every single time Wilson featured for West Ham he made an impact or looked a genuine goal threat.
Comfortably the team’s best finisher, fans were baffled at his lack of game time under Nuno Espirito Santo.
So too was the player himself it seems.
Because Wilson has aimed a swipe at Nuno after reluctantly announcing his West Ham exit.
Many fans hoped Wilson might be persuaded to stick around in the Championship given he turns 35 next season.
Supporters believe his finishing prowess and experience would almost guarantee West Ham promotion back to the Premier League.
Wilson slams Nuno over lack of game time
But Wilson will not be a West Ham player next season and has suggested Nuno, who is now staying, is to blame.
Nuno started hapless £20m flop Pablo ahead of Wilson almost every week and sometimes left him sitting on the bench as an unused sub.
What’s your early prediction for West Ham’s 2026/27 Championship campaign? 👀
The Portuguese even admitted he was open to letting Wilson leave the club in January until the West Ham board stepped in to stop any exit.
Wilson did look set to sign a new one-year deal in January but his lack of game time saw that put on ice.
The England striker has said he was honoured to wear the ‘iconic claret and blue shirt’ but did not understand or agree with the fact Nuno did not let him wear it more.
Wilson also stated he was nothing but professional in trying to convince the manager he should play more.
But he reserved special mention for West Ham’s fans and the way they embraced him despite their awkward past with one another.
“It hurts,” Wilson said on Instagram.
“We have failed as a team and definitely fallen short of everyone’s expectations.
“It was well documented that I had a history with West Ham, yet from the moment I arrived, I felt nothing but welcomed by all the fans here.
“I felt really good and positive coming into this season, and I believe I could have contributed more given the opportunity.
“As you could see, my time on the pitch was very limited at times, but that was out of my control. I’ve always trained hard, kept my integrity, and given my all whenever I’ve been allowed to wear the iconic Claret and Blue shirt.
“I’m sad and extremely disappointed that it has ended this way. This club deserves so much better because there are so many unbelievable people behind the scenes that you fans don’t always get to see.
“For now, all I can say is thank you. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Your passion is amazing, and I truly hope you return to the Premier League, where you belong, as soon as possible. Take care, Callum.”
A classy goodbye from a classy player.
It seems an almost certainty that West Ham would have picked up the extra win they needed to survive had Wilson played more games.
That is on Nuno, who clearly did not rate the player or like the person.
It was one of several strange behaviours from Nuno that cost the Hammers dear.
But fans have little choice but to get behind the manager as he is the one staying while Wilson departs – most likely for an emotional return to boyhood club Coventry after they replaced West Ham in the top flight.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
