Former Hammer Pablo Zabaleta has confirmed he will be hanging up his boots in a Twitter message posted on Friday.
‘These have been wonderful years that gave me the opportunity to enjoy unique and unforgettable moments.
‘Forever I will thank all the people that shared the journey with me; clubs, teammates, coaches and in particular my family and all my friends.
‘With a lot of emotions I leave behind one of the best stages of my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.’
Zabaleta departed after three seasons in which he made a total of 80 appearances, scoring a solitary goal in an FA Cup win at Gillingham in January 2020.
The former Argentina World Cup finalist arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City in the summer of 2017. Unfortunately, an injury has prevented him from accepting the Club’s offer of a short-term extension until the end of the disrupted 2019/20 season.
Best wishes for the future. You were an example of all that’s good in application and attitude. I’m sorry you were allowed to leave us through the back door in virtual silence.