Watford have today unveiled West Ham favourite Angelo Ogbonna as a new signing and they’re getting a fine Italian wine.
If Watford fans look at Angelo Ogbonna’s age then they may be wondering what the club are thinking.
Released by West Ham one year short of a testimonial, Ogbonna turns 37 at the end of this season.
In modern day football you’re old once you hit 30, let alone approaching 40 – especially as an outfield player.
There was talk Ogbonna could be handed another one year deal by West Ham before he was let go at the end of June.
Now Watford have officially unveiled ‘Oggy’ as a new signing on an initial one-year deal.
Ogbonna made 17 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers last season, including seven starts in the Premier League.
A massive fan favourite and certified cult hero at West Ham, Ogbonna was expected by some to retire.
Watford unveil West Ham favourite Ogbonna
But Watford have unveiled West Ham favourite Ogbonna and they’re getting a fine Italian wine.
The former Italy international has got better with age down the years. And in the Championship there is no reason to suggest that will not continue.
Ogbonna says he is excited about signing for a Watford team joint top of the fledgling Championship table with three wins from three.
“I cannot wait to play for Watford,” Ogbonna told Watford website.
“It is very important to bring in some experience, like with Moussa [Sissoko].
“I have spoken with the manager a couple of times, so I know his style of play.
“I am here to try my best and to try to help the team.”
This is a fantastic signing for the Hornets, make no mistake.
Ogbonna may be getting on but he really has aged like a fine Italian wine.
Every time he came into the West Ham team he excelled and proved he can still do it.
Last season there were perhaps glimpses that Premier League levels were starting to catch him out here and there.
Hornets are getting a fine Italian wine
But that could be attributed just as much to a lack of consistent game time as anything else.
And when he came into the Hammers side for games away against the likes of Brighton and Arsenal he was one of the best players on the pitch in memorable West Ham wins.
Watford are getting a true leader in Ogbonna. He also brings balance to a team being a rare left-footed centre-back.
West Ham fans will not recall too many big hidings with Ogbonna in the side.
He made 249 West Ham appearances after signing for what turned out to be a bargain £8.5m from Juventus in 2015.
Oggy is exactly what Watford need if they have designs on promotion. He beings a senior voice and someone more focused on defending than hitting aimless 70-yard diagonal passes up the pitch.
Every West Ham fan will be wishing Ogbonna well at Vicarage Road.
And it would be no surprise to any of them if he is leading Watford back to the Premier League as he brings up his 37th birthday come what May.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
