Pablo Zabaleta has taken up the option on a third West Ham season and will be with us until at least 2020.
That really is great news as the Argentine veteran right back has been an enormous asset to the team on and off the pitch and may become one of our best ever free signings.
He has already played 65 games in claret and blue but with a load of retirement talk emerging during the season another year was in the balance for a while.
But as a favourite of the manager he has finally decided to put pen to paper and will again be fighting it out with Ryan Fredericks for the right sided role.
He is also recognised alongside the captain as one of the most important and influential voices in the dressing room and a fabulous role model to the younger players.
It’s great news surely all fans will welcome and discussing his feelings Zaba said: “It’s great news and I’m so happy,” I’m enjoying my time at West Ham and I’ve got so much respect and so much passion for this profession. I’m still enjoying it and it’s made me feel I can go for another year.
“I just want to focus on what we’re doing with the Club and with the team this season and be ready to go again next season, because I just want to enjoy every single moment.”
Congratulations to Zab , great professional let’s hope he can help the younger. Players on the pitch . COYI
Very happy about this. Whether he starts or plays more of a back up role, he exudes professionalism and is a real level head who has seen and done it all. Well worth another year. He’s worked so hard over the past two seasons and hasn’t been just another big name looking for a payout.
Great news, love Zab COYI !!!
Agreed – well deserved and good news