Report: Zaba to announce retirement

Hammer Pablo Zabaleta will announce his retirement as a player at the end of the season, according to a report from Spain.

The 33-year-old is in the final last year of his contract with West Ham and despite having an automatic option of an extension after playing 28 for the Hammers, and an offer from the Middle East, he is likely to hang up his boots while at the top of his game.

Catalan newspaper Sport claims that after assessing his family situation, Zaba is going to announce his retirement.

The paper claims Zabaleta will establish his home in Barcelona, where he played with Espanyol and where his  wife Christel  – a model –  is from. The couple already have a property in the area.

The Argentine right-back has been taking his coaching badges and refused to rule out coaching on day

Claret and Hugh View:

You have to admire Pablo Zabaleta. He s still loved by Manchester City fans and he has certainly showed his worth with us as he demonstrates he can still cut it in the Premier League despite facing much younger opponents most of the time.He has shown a real passion for the Hammers and has been an excellent role model for the younger players within the squad and is often described as the true example of a football professional. If the report is true that he is retiring at the top of the game and on his own terms by putting his family first instead of a making a big money move to China or the Middle East that’s worthy of even more admiration. Many footballers could learn from that approach. I have no doubt – given his dedication  to his craft – that he will return to the Premier League one day as an accomplished manager maybe to manage Man City or West Ham.