West Ham United defender Fabian Balbuena has spoken out after leaving the club.
Arnautovic rumours prove wildly inaccurate as West Ham fans are taken by surprise
Balbuena started the season in fine form for West Ham but lost his place due to injury.
And West Ham’s form was so consistent throughout a season where they secured their most ever Premier League points and Europa League football that Balbuena struggled to get back into the side.
The General has left the building as Balbuena speaks out following his departure and it’s all love
West Ham confirmed this week that The General would be leaving the club when his contract expires this summer.
Now the Paraguayan has spoken for the first time since his departure was confirmed.
“To my teammates, staffs, workers of the club and specially to the fans my big, big thank you!” Balbuena said on Twitter.
“It was a very special three years of my career! COYI.”
Hammers thank defender for his service as Lazio, Betis or South America return seem likely
West Ham thanked Balbuena for everything and wished him good luck.
The centre back is expected to join either Lazio, Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis or return to South America.
Should he join Lazio or Betis West Ham might end up facing Balbuena next season in the Europa League.
The Serie A and La Liga clubs have both qualified for the group stages like West Ham.
Attentions will now turn – if they haven’t already – to signing a replacement for Balbuena.
Moyes will now focus on signing much-needed replacement
Moyes only has Angelo Ogbonna – who turns 34 next season – Craig Dawson and Issa Diop at his disposal.
Declan Rice is an emergency option at centre-back which could be utilised more if Moyes signs a quality central midfielder like Alex Kral.
The Hammers also have Jamal Baptiste and Aji Alese emerging from the academy but whether Moyes, who has admitted he prefers more matured central defenders around the 27-28 age range, is prepared to blood them in the Premier League or Europa is another matter.
West Ham insiders Claret and Hugh have claimed Moyes has £85million to spend this summer.
So money to sign a replacement for Balbuena should not be an issue.