Declan Rice and Jesse Lingard have been leading the tributes as West Ham star Angelo Ogbonna finally says goodbye.
West Ham are ushering in a new era under Julen Lopetegui.
There is a changing of the guard at West Ham.
That is perhaps best symbolised by the arrival of Max Kilman following the departure of Angelo Ogbonna.
Beloved Ogbonna, known as Uncle Ange to his Hammers teammates, was one of the most consistent and reliable West Ham players of modern times.
He served West Ham with distinction for nine years before leaving at the end of his contract last week.
Signing for the Hammers from Italian giants Juventus, not many had perhaps heard of Ogbonna back in July 2015.
But that would change over a near decade of ups and downs, culminating in that Europa Conference League triumph last summer.
West Ham hero finally says farewell and it’s pure class
No West Ham player enjoyed that more than Ogbonna, despite being a bit-part player for much of his last two seasons.
Ogbonna never let West Ham down and it was fitting that he came on in the last moments of the final, even making a vital clearance from a late Fiorentina free-kick.
West Ham said a fond farewell to Ogbonna last month as they confirmed his departure.
Some fans had noted how strange it was that Ogbonna had not said his own farewell, though.
Well now he has – and in some style too.
Some Hammers supporters may have thought Ogbonna might be bitter about not being handed a new deal to take him into a “testimonial year”.
But in actual fact it seems the former Italy international has been working on a high quality and very emotional farewell video.
Declan Rice and Jesse Lingard have been leading the tributes as the West Ham star says goodbye.
Rice and Lingard lead the tributes as Ogbonna says goodbye
Ogbonna posted his goodbye video on Instagram alongside the words: “Once a Hammer, Always a Hammer! Number 21, Oggy.”
The movie production quality video shows Ogbonna walking out of the London Stadium tunnel while whistling along to Bubbles one last time.
He then pours his heart out set to clips from his time at the club including that unforgettable major trophy triumph in Prague.
He then says: “It was impossible to leave without saying ciao.
“They have been marvellous years. A really long journey where I learned and grew up at the same time.
“Starting from the Boleyn Ground and finishing with the final in Prague where we made history.
‘Everything comes easy when you have been loved’
“I am grateful to have been part of such an iconic club with such big potential. And to all the people who work behind the scenes, that had a big impact on my growth, that gave me the opportunity to play in one of the best leagues in the world.
“Fans that have been behind me in my good and dark moments. Thanks to my managers who gave me the chance and to all my teammates who helped me on and off the pitch.
“West Ham is about giving. And everything comes easy when you have been loved. I wish you all the best and see you soon.
“West Ham are massive.”
If you made it through that without crying, try and watch the video itself in the post above.
Ogbonna’s former Hammers teammates Rice and Lingard are just two of the dozens who have been responding to the video.
Rice said: “One of the best, love you brother,” alongside a heart emoji.
Lingard added: “Big Bro,” with a heart.
His former central defensive partner James Collins simply said “Legend” while Flynn Downes, Manuel Lanzini, Emerson and a host of others shared their love for their old West Ham teammate too.
Ogbonna was like a fine Italian wine, getting better with age.
Now the club has moved on with Kilman and another new centre-back on the way.
But West Ham and Ogbonna will always share special memories and a special bond.
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