West Ham United missed out on Maxi Gomez to Valencia as expected.
West Ham had been chasing the Uruguayan since January in what became one of the most publicised and protracted sagas of the 2019 summer window.
That saga was settled over the weekend.
Valencia make Gomez official
Unfortunately for Manuel Pellegrini it was in Valencia’s favour, though.
The La Liga club announced the club record signing on their official website.
In his first interview the 22-year-old revealed the reasons behind his decision to snub West Ham.
And in doing so Gomez confirmed speculation that he was not motivated by the extra money on offer in East London.
Gomez confirms reasons for West Ham snub
“I’m very happy to be joining Valencia CF. They’re a very big club, I’m happy to be here and it’s a good move for my family (to remain in Spain) as well,” Gomez told Valencia’s website.
“It’s really nice to be able to play in the Champions League. I’ve never done that before, and from a young age I always dreamt of playing in the Champions League and LaLiga. I’m very grateful to Valencia CF, and very happy.”
So there you have it West Ham fans.
All the talk throughout the Gomez saga was that the player wanted to stay in Spain where his family are comfortable and settled.
And that he wanted to play Champions League football.
Disappointing but admirable and proof that some sources are in the know
Indeed while it is disappointing West Ham missed out, it is admirable in many ways that Gomez stuck to his beliefs over money.
It also proves that certain sources and sports media outlets know more than some fans give them credit for when it comes to transfers.
The new man in the frame now is French striker Sebastien Haller (Sky Sports).
Hammers fans will be hoping for an entirely different outcomes there.
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