Mark Noble has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London.
The 35-year-old retired from playing at the end of last season, calling time on a superb career in east London. 
On Friday, as per the Evening Standard, Nobes was given the prestigious title at a glitzy ceremony at London’s Guildhall. It’s a tradition that dates back 800 years.
As the Standard reports, Noble was nominated for the City’s award by Caroline Haines, Common Councilman and Master Educator, and her husband Gordon Haines, Past Alderman and Past Master Horner and Painter Stainer.
The award has been handed out as recognition of Nobes’ outstanding contribution to sport and community in the city he has lived his entire life.
Nobes accepted the award and said: “I am extremely proud to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London. It is a wonderful honour for myself and my family, and a real privilege to follow so many great figures and names in history.
“I feel very fortunate to have been born and grown up in London – a city I consider to be the greatest in the world – and to have spent my entire professional football career with West Ham United, a club in the heart of London.
“It is such an honour to be recognised by my home city and it was a fantastic experience to visit the Guildhall with my wife Carly and our children for the ceremony, something very special that will stay in our family name forever.”
He is set to take up a role as Sporting Director at West Ham ahead of the January transfer window.
We couldn’t be prouder of our hometown boy. Well in Nobes.
