Manuel Lanzini was released by West Ham United last summer, after an eight-year spell at Upton Park and the London Stadium.
When Manuel Lanzini left the London Stadium, it was a sad time for the West Ham fans who had worshipped him since he initially joined us on loan from Al-Jazira in the summer of 2015.
The Argentinian star actually began his career with River Plate, and hinted that he always fancied a return to Estadio Mâs Monumental during his time with the Hammers.
Lanzini was a hugely popular figure amongst the West Ham fans, and many believe that he should have been kept on last summer, rather than released.
The 31-year-old played a key role for the Hammers, especially during his first three seasons at the club.
Unfortunately for him, he ruptured his ACL during the build-up to the 2018 World Cup, and he never really rediscovered his best form, despite showing glimpses of his true talent.
However, he’s just proven on the biggest stage that he’s still got it.
Manuel Lanzini lights up Boca vs River Plate clash
Out in Argentina last night, it was the big one – Boca vs River Plate.
Dubbed as the biggest derby in world football by Four Four Two, Boca Juniors vs River Plate has a rich history of fantastic footballers, and fierce battles, both on and off the pitch.
Lanzini started the game for River in the cauldron that is La Bombonera.
And the former Hammer silenced the Boca fans just 20 minutes into the game with a goal to put his side 1-0 up.
The scores stayed the same for the rest of the match, and River left their biggest rival’s home with all three points.
What a superb night it was for Lanzini, and all of the Hammers fans would surely have been delighted for him.
Manuel Lanzini a West Ham cult hero
There is a reason why he was known as West Ham’s diamond.
And as the song goes, ‘Ain’t nobody, like Lanzini…’
It’s such a huge shame for me that he suffered that horrific injury back in the summer of 2018.
I firmly believe that had he not picked up that ACL injury, he would have become one of the very best attacking midfielders in the Premier League, and world football in general.
Manuel Lanzini was brilliant for West Ham, especially during his debut season at Upton Park when he was dove-tailing exceptionally well with Dimitri Payet.
And he’s still making headlines in East London now, a full year after he left the club. Brilliant to see.
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