Hammers fans tear into Zabaleta as he discusses his final season

West Ham United supporters have surprisingly fired criticism towards Pablo Zabaleta, as he discussed his final season in the Premier League.

The 34-year-old enters his third and final campaign with West Ham as back-up to Ryan Fredericks after spending two years as a key part of Slaven Bilic, David Moyes and Manuel Pellegrini’s plans.

With the official club Twitter revealing what he’s said about the prospect of departing English football after 12 years, a number of Hammers fans have sent plenty of negativity back:

Twitter: @WestHam @pablo_zabaleta can’t wait till he retires tbh (@Benwhufc_)

Twitter: @WestHam @pablo_zabaleta I don’t think anyone will miss him (@Tom_W1610)

Twitter: @WestHam @pablo_zabaleta Last season should have been his last. Great pro, but shouldn’t have been kept on (@jack_fleming8)

Twitter: @WestHam @pablo_zabaleta His best years were at City! (@IanBourne13)

READ WEST HAM’S VERDICT

Yes, Zabaleta is obviously declining as a player, as 34-year-olds do, but he will certainly be missed when he’s gone – not necessarily for what he offers on the pitch, but for his influence off it.

Not long ago, many West Ham fans were calling for the Argentine to receive a new contract at the London Stadium so to see the negativity surrounding his comments has been nothing short of alarming.

You can’t fault Zabaleta’s passion for the game, he’s a top professional and will hopefully enjoy his swansong this season.