Proving that being a Hammer is more than a transient occupation, more a lifelong association for those who truly ‘get it’, one former West Ham hero and a key component of the trophy winning 2023 side has been candid about his lifelong affection for both the football club and its supporters.
Pablo Fornals’ departure still rankles with many who see his exploits at Real Betis and his recall to the Spain national side as proof that the best was yet to come when he left in 2024. Interviewed by the NYTimes the midfield maestro sent a strong message to West Ham fans ahead of the fourteen games which will decide The Hammers’ Premier League future:
“I know sometimes it’s tough and I know we would like to win all the games, but I just ask you all to be with the team,” he says. “Your support will help the team move from those positions. Support the guys because we’re all in this together.”
Once a Hammer, always a Hammer in Pablo Fornals case.
And in a wide ranging interview discussing his appearance in the quarter finals of Spain’s Copa del Rey, Fornals made it clear where his affections lie.
“Without West Ham, I wouldn’t be where I am now. My football career, it cannot be explained without me speaking about West Ham. I owe everything to that club.”
And evidently he and his family – all Hammers supporters, naturally – are still convinced the Hammers can stage the comeback of all comebacks and avoid relegation this season:
“We had three successive wins (against Queens Park Rangers, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland) but sadly we lost against Chelsea. It was a decent game, and although we couldn’t hold on until the end, I think West Ham can stay up. I react like every other fan when I watch the matches. I’m happy when we win but sad if it’s a defeat”
He may be living, working and playing in Spain now but ‘once a Hammer, always a Hammer’ has never been more true than in Pablo Fornals’ case: And it’s clear he’s still rooting for the Hammers to beat the odds and the drop this season.
Should have found a place for him. Vlad Coufal as well.
He is a true much loved Hammer by most true Hammers. Very sad the way he left. Pablo⚒️
It makes you respect Pablo Fornals even more. He is such a decent guy.
Strange to think he left because he was struggling to get into our team at the time. He would walk into this one!