Lionel Messi’s departure from Barcelona means West Ham United captain Mark Noble is now officially the longest serving one-club player in European football.
Shock news emerged from Spain yesterday when it was announced Messi will leave Barca due to La Liga’s financial rules making his new contract unfeasible.
Many see the move as a power play from Barca to push for a change to the rules and bigger slice of the 10% sale of La Liga to CVC.
But Barca have today published a tribute and farewell to Messi on the club’s official website.
Messi’s Barca departure made official as Hammer Noble moves into number one spot
But after the Argentine’s departure was made official, it means that as of today West Ham skipper Noble is officially the most loyal player in Europe’s top five leagues.
Remarkably Messi had been with Barca for the same amount of time as Noble has been with West Ham as of yesterday on over 17 years and seven months.
Messi and Noble were already the top two in Europe’s top five leagues.
With Messi’s departure official as of yesterday it means today West Ham legend Noble stands alone in the number one spot on 17 years, seven months and one day more from now and counting.
Nobes proudly Tweeted stat last year
Noble proudly posted the stat when it was revealed in October last year. And Messi’s departure means he is now ahead.
Noble has announced this will be his last season with West Ham before retiring.
So he will be out on his own by a year above Messi unless there is a U turn at the Camp Nou.
In the modern era where club heroes are all too often lured away in pursuit of more money or bigger contracts elsewhere it is so refreshing to see someone like Noble doing West Ham proud in the loyalty stakes.
Some would argue that Noble would not have attracted big interest over his career.
But in his pomp there would have been a few takers for the midfielder.
West Ham will hope to mark the skipper’s final season in style by continuing their success in the Premier League and Europe under David Moyes this term.
In other news, journalist claims Serie A star to West Ham is almost a done deal.
And PAI West Ham takeover statement in full confirming LS and Ferdinand brothers agreements.
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