Pablo Zabaleta agrees two-year West Ham deal as Slaven Bilic pounces to snap up Manchester City right-back on free transfer
Argentine defender set for London Stadium switch after discovering that his Etihad contract would not be extended
PABLO ZABALETA has agreed to join West Ham on a free transfer from Manchester City.
The Argentine right-back has signed a two-year deal after discovering that his Etihad contract would not be extended by Pep Guardiola.
And Zabaleta will now link up with Slaven Bilic at the London Stadium next season as the Hammers bid to push back up the table after an underwhelming season.
Zabaleta said: “I’ve been thinking about making this decision since January.
“I had been a long time at Manchester City and it was important to make the right decision for myself, my family and my future club.
“I wanted to go to the right place. Even though I had been playing in England for so long, and the fact that I had offers from Spain and Italy, I wanted to stay in the Premier League.
“This is the League that is really in my heart, where I have enjoyed playing for many seasons.
“There was also interest from some English clubs but West Ham was the first choice for me.”
He told the : “I knew from the start that this was the right place for me and I really want to thank co-chairman David Sullivan helping to make this move happen.
“To carry on playing for several more years, to bring my experience here – hopefully that will help this club have a very successful time ahead.
“Everything seemed right. I have always had a huge respect for West Ham.
“The tradition of the club in English football is massive and we have seen, down the years, so many good players in that shirt.
“Also, it is a new era for the club: moving to the London Stadium, making that big step forward and, of course, it is a great city.
“I have only been here before for a few days and I do not know it well but it will be a fantastic place to live with the family.”
But he isn’t the only player to be shown the door by City, with fellow defender Bacary Sagna also shown the door.
Left-back Gael Clichy, winger Jesus Navas and goalie Willy Caballero are three others being let go on free transfers.
And it appears Guardiola has a clear vision of how he wants to proceed after failing to win a single trophy during an entire campaign for the first time in his career.
Tottenham ace Kyle Walker is expected to arrive as Zabaleta’s replacement, with Monaco winger Bernardo Silva also believed to be a top target.