There has been an outpouring of affection in reaction to West Ham club captain Mark Noble‘s apparent suggestion that this season could be his last as a player.
Speaking in the wake of the Hammers’ 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup against Manchester United, the midfielder affectionately known as ‘Mr West Ham’ has hinted that he could potentially hang up his boots at the end of the current campaign.
In quotes shared by @WestHam on Twitter, Noble said: “Being able to captain these players in this time has been fantastic and, as I’ve said before, I’m 34 in May and have not got too long left, so I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.”
"Being able to captain these players in this time has been fantastic and, as I’ve said before, I’m 34 in May and have not got too long left, so I’m going to enjoy every minute of it."
⚒ ❤️ Our skipper…
— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 11, 2021
There have already been signs of the mantle being passed to the heir to the captaincy throne in Declan Rice, so the 33-year-old’s apparent eye on a well-earned retirement comes as no real surprise.
With 394 Premier League appearances and 518 competitive outings all told for the Irons, there has predictably been a Noble love-in amongst the claret and blue faithful.
Here’s a pick of the heartfelt responses to the “living legend”…
Twitter: @WestHam If you don’t love Mark Noble there really is something wrong with you
(@IronessWest)
Twitter: @WestHam Tears in my eyes
A great era is ending soom (@ScoutSoucek)
Twitter: @WestHam Can’t let him bow out with no fans. Give him one more year even just to have him around the place and then… https://t.co/MtQOmyBxEK (@Marcusbayor)
Twitter: @WestHam What a way to go out…. But surely you can’t retire without fans.
Twitter: @WestHam Living Legend
Twitter: @WestHam Love you Mark! Please don’t ever leave West Ham! (@southviewlyn)
