Reports last week aired by many sources pertained to a ‘possible’ part-exchange between West Ham United and AC Milan to take the Mexican to Italy and bring former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus – Cheek to London stadium as a makeweight.
‘El Machin’ has been impressing the San Siro outfit and was happy discussing these rumours whilst on international duty in Mexico.
Regardless of the apparent lack of desire on West Ham’s part to sell him – (despite his recent disciplinary issues and suspensions) – these rumours persist and the player responded in an interview to TV Azteca Deportes who titled their article:
“EXCLUSIVE! Are you going to Italy? Edson Álvarez responds to Milan’s alleged interest”.
To which, in the article, Alvarez responded:
“Let’s see, if you are in this environment, rumours will exist, both for you and for us. And well, I think that, as they said, it means that you are doing things well, that they are turning their attention to you. I just use it to my advantage. In the sense of continuing to do what I am doing, trying to improve and well, increase my confidence.” (With thanks to sports witness.co.uk for the translation!)
As the report continues:”Edson has had great performances with West Ham that have placed him in the interest of several teams. For the moment, Milan’s supposed interest has remained as if in a rumor.
So, a rumour but a compliment at the same time to Alvarez who uses it to build his own game and confidence. It doesn’t seem as if the brief period of intense criticism he faced from some quarters after his sending off against Liverpool has caused him any lost sleep.
For now, at least, Alvarez – even though he admitted some time ago to being ‘one hour away’ from joining Chelsea- is a happy Hammer. Long may it continue,.