West Ham United captain Mark Noble may well turn out to be the key to keeping Manuel Lanzini at the club without even realising it.
Lanzini’s West Ham career appeared to be at a crossroads in the summer.
The Argentine’s future was cast into doubt. First there were separate reports linking Lanzini with a move away from West Ham.
There was talk of a move to Turkey with Fenerbache (The Mirror) and then a return to his first club River Plate (TYC Sports in Argentina).
Lanzini reached Hammers crossroads
Then there was speculation a renewal option in Lanzini’s contract had a set wage the midfielder was not happy with.
But Lanzini told Sky Sports this week that he wants to sign a new long-term deal with the club.
Revealing the key factors behind his Hammers happiness, Lanzini told whufc.com that captain Mark Noble had been a massive influence.
Argentine reveals Noble influence
“At West Ham, Mark is a legend,” Lanzini told the club’s official website.
“He’s a very good captain and a very good player.
“If you ever need anything, not just on the pitch or the club, but even in your life, he’ll help you. He’s played for West Ham for a long time, I think 15 years. I was in school! Crazy, eh?!”
Legend worth his weight in gold
It just goes to show how crucial it is to have a true West Ham man like Noble at the club.
The midfielder often divides opinion among some supporters over whether he should be a mainstay in the team.
He proves those doubters wrong every season. And Lanzini’s comments prove his influence goes far beyond the team’s performances on a match day.
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