Such a sad farewell to Lanzini

So it is with enormous sadness that we say goodbye to one of our modern Hammers heroes – Manu Lanzini.

But for an injury in training for the World Cup of 2018 he might have returned to the level of performance we had seen previously but that was a terrible blow to his career.

It didn’t stop him from performing well for us afterwards but sadly he was never quite the same player again although he was still some scorer of great goals at his best.

Nobody will forget his unforgettable last-gasp strike at Tottenham Hotspur in 2020/21 and then a superb volleyed finish at Crystal Palace the following campaign.

The Argentine midfielder joined the Hammers, initially on loan, from United Arab Emirates side Al Jazira in the summer of 2015, making the move permanent the following year.

Over his eight seasons in Claret and Blue, Lanzini made 226 appearances in all competitions and scored 32 goals – twice winning the Club’s Goal of the Season

Beyond his ability on the ball, I recall the late DG telling me he was the nicest of men and a genuine example to the dressing room how to behave always.

He is going to missed on and off the pitch and personally I believe he still had stuff to offer. However, all of us at Claret and Hugh wish him all the best in the world wherever he lands next

By Hughie Southon