West Ham United winger Andriy Yarmolenko admits he ‘didn’t really want’ to sign a new contract with the Premier League club with his current deal expiring this summer, speaking via UA Tribuna.
At least he’ll always have that night against Sevilla.
Yarmolenko might have struggled to justify his eye-watering wages at the London Stadium but, as blue and yellow flags fluttered in the capital city breeze, one of Ukraine’s most famous sons was a fitting hero as West Ham edged past Sevilla in the Europa League round-of-16.
Moments like this have been few and far between during Yarmolenko’s injury-hit Hammers spell, however.
And it came as no real surprise when the veteran forward indicated, in the aftermath of Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City, that he might have played his final game in front of those home supporters.
Yarmolenko leaving West Ham United
It is not certain where Yarmolenko will turn up next. The former Dynamo Kiev talisman has made no secret of his desire to return to his roots, though the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine certainly complicates matters.
“I will not lie; Before the war, I was seriously thinking about returning to Dynamo,” says Yarmolenko.
“Now, I am in touch with the president of the club, with all the players. This is the most important team in my life. Of course, if we talk about ending my career, I would like to finish it with this team.
“I want to return to Dynamo.”
Yarmolenko has started just two Premier League games since the start of 2020/21. Joining a club where he could feature regularly, week-in, week-out, is unsurprisingly the 32-year-old’s top priority, with Yarmolenko somewhat relieved that West Ham have opted not to trigger the extension clause in his contract.
Farewell, Andriy
“I want to play and enjoy football. In the last two or three years, I haven’t played as much as I wanted. I missed the game every week,” he adds.
“I signed a four-year contract with an option to extend for another one. A year ago, it was clear that West Ham would not use this option because it is was big contract, and I do not play as much as a player who earns such money should.
“I’m also dissatisfied with my playing time. I want to play more, so I didn’t really want to extend my contract. For the London club, this is also, I think, not a very profitable deal.
- How Rangers’ XI could look in 22/23, including 5 new signings
- How West Ham’s XI could look in 22/23 with 4 new signings
“West Ham must give me an official answer by May 21st. I have not yet received an official letter saying that I can sign a contract with another club. So far.”
Yarmolenko adds that ‘the process of finding a (new) club is underway’, though he plays down reports linking him with a move to Spanish giants Sevilla.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
