Jesse Lingard decision to remain in Manchester was partially down to family reasons it has since been claimed.
Just before the transfer deadline shared a video of him trying to get some playtime in with his daughter at the swing set, but his daughter Hope told him ” No daddy, you can’t get on, you are too big”. The Manchester forward wants to be a good dad to his daughter and co-parent with his baby’s mother Rebecca Halliday.
Rebecca Halliday was Jesse Lingard’s girlfriend when she got pregnant and had a daughter with him. She is a fitness model and although she is not Lingard’s official girlfriend, they remain on good terms and have decided to co-parent together.
Halliday has official custody but Lingard is very much involved in care for his daughter and visits regularly.
During an interview with Daily Mail last year, Lingard said: “My daughter is one now. She takes my mind off a lot of things I’ve had to deal with. She is brilliant, a great part of my life. I just want to be there as a father to show her the right way. I want her to be proud.”
Maybe West Ham fans will be a little more forgiving if this is a true factor behind his decision not to join the Hammers.
There is (or should be) nothing to forgive for our fans. Jesse’s decision was always his prerogative, and I wish him all the best for whatever comes next for him.
I still think Jesse will end up playing for West Ham after January’s window.