WEST HAM have released fans’ favourite Manuel Lanzini after eight seasons with the club.
The Argentine midfielder signed for the Hammers in 2015 from United Arab Emirates side Al Jazira.
ReutersManuel Lanzini has left West Ham[/caption]
His spell in East London had the dream send off as he was part of the squad that won the Conference League earlier this month.
Lanzini is best remembered for a number of iconic goals he scored for West Ham, including his stunner to compete a sensational comeback versus Spurs in October 2020.
He also won the player’s player award in 2016/17.
But the 30-year-old has decided to leave the Irons after falling out of favour, playing just ten times in the Premier League last season.
On his departure, David Moyes said: “On behalf of the players and coaching staff, I would like to thank Manu and wish him all the very best for the future.
“Manu has been a tremendous servant for the football club and a brilliant player for me in my time here as manager.
“In my first spell he played a key role in helping us to stay up, and he has always been someone I can rely on.
“Manu is a fantastic professional, a really good lad, and whichever club he joins will have an excellent player on their hands.
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“We are sorry to see him go, but he deserves the opportunity to play more regularly elsewhere, and we wish him well in his next adventure.”
Club legend and sporting director Mark Noble added: “It has been a privilege to be a team-mate and a friend of Manu’s during his time at West Ham.
“When he first walked into Chadwell Heath, as a 21-year-old on loan, I have to be honest, I looked at Manu and thought: ‘He might struggle in the Premier League.’
“Ten minutes later, I saw him in training and thought: ‘He’s going to be one of the most special players West Ham fans will ever see.’
“For the last eight years, he has given absolutely everything for the club. It was a true pleasure to play alongside him in West Ham’s midfield, and to count him as a great friend during his time here.”
Youngsters Ademipo Odubeko, Armstrong Oko-Flex, Brian Kinnear, Jamal Baptiste and Asher Falase have also left.
Meanwhile, veteran defender Angelo Ogbonna has been offered a new contract with his deal up this summer.
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