West Ham midfielder Edson Álvarez has spoken publicly about his role in bringing Guido Rodríguez to East London.
The two players have known each other since their days playing for Mexican side Club América, where they won the title together. Back then, Álvarez was a budding central defender, and Rodríguez was deployed in central midfield.
The pair played a combined 74 games alongside each other before going their separate ways, only to be reunited at West Ham this summer.
Rodríguez had been on the cusp of signing for Barcelona on a free transfer before the exit of head coach Xavi, which left West Ham and Real Betis fighting for his services. In the end, the Argentine international chose West Ham, but not before checking with his old friend first.
“I messaged him, and we talked a little bit. He asked about the club, and I didn’t hesitate to give him very good references,” remarked Álvarez. “We were champions together. We know each other very well. I’m very happy.
We are two players who understand each other very well.”