Pablo Fornals hits back at West Ham criticism as he proves narrative totally false

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Pablo Fornals could earn his first Spain cap since 2021, when he was playing Premier League football with West Ham United, should he feature for La Roja against Georgia in Saturday night’s World Cup qualifier.

His return to the national team set up, after four years away, certainly threatened to create a certain narrative surrounding his time at the London Stadium?

Did West Ham United hold him back?

As Pablo Fornals’ ‘spectacular’ displays inspire Real Betis to a flying start in La Liga – Manuel Pellegrini’s side went into the November break only five points off fourth-place Atletico Madrid – his sudden return to the international stage, not to mention his dazzling domestic form, may not reflect particularly well on the Hammers.

The former Malaga and Villarreal playmaker is not having any of that, however.

Because while the reaction on social media from some Spanish supporters has centred on Pablo Fornals’ revival away from the English capital, the affable 29-year-old has been quick to point out that four of his six caps actually came during his time in claret and blue.

Pablo Fornals rubbishes West Ham United narrative on Spain return

Fornals made his La Roja debut as a teenager back in 2016, under the legendary Vicente Del Bosque. Two-thirds of his caps, though, came in 2021, in the midst of a fine run of form at West Ham, capped by goals in big Premier League wins against Leicester [4-1], Aston Villa [4-1], and even Liverpool [3-2].

The Hammers finished sixth and seventh in the Premier League between 2021 and 2022. Most would snap your hands off for such a finish these days, though Fornals is also quick to point out that his most recent Spain appearances came at a less ‘fashionable’ club.

He is certainly not buying into the idea that his lack of caps in recent years is the fault of his old employers.

“With Vicente [Del Bosque], it was unexpected,” Fornals admits, in quotes reported by Onda Cero. “I was called up at 19! Then, with Luis Enrique, I had the opportunity to play [for Spain] during my time with Villarreal and later with West Ham.

“I’ve had the opportunity to play for the national team at every club I’ve been at. Without meaning to diminish any of them, they weren’t teams that competed for league titles.

“For me, the fact that the coaches looked beyond that and saw that there was a kid playing for a team in East London, without being a media darling, was impressive.”

Pablo Fornals tasted the full spectrum of emotions during his half-a-decade at West Ham. From a relegation battle to a Champions League chase, via Conference League glory in Prague.

Fornals opened up on how Lucas Paqueta and co brought about his sale

Speaking back in October, Fornals indicated that West Ham’s big-money signings brought about his eventual departure. Fornals left for Real Betis only a few months after Mohammed Kudus joined from Ajax, and a year-and-a-half after Lucas Paqueta joined from Lyon.

“It was a very intense four-and-a-half years in which we experienced everything,” Fornals said. “In the first [season], we were saved [from relegation] with two games to go.

“Then, we qualified for the Europa League, played in the semi-finals of the Europa League, won a Conference League title. Little by little, the club grew so much that there was no room for players from before.

“[West Ham] appreciate that there will be better days, there will be worse days, days when I will be more successful or less. But I think that the Betis fans have already seen that, for me, playing football is competing, it’s running, it’s giving it my all.

“There will be days when it will be valued, other days when it won’t. Other days I’ll give an assist, other days I’ll score a goal, and other days when nothing will happen. But for my part I will always give it my all, and they appreciate that.”