West Ham United new boy Pablo Zabaleta has commented on the role Manuel Lanzini played in his move.
Pablo Zabaleta applauds fans after his last match for Manchester City
West Ham United’s new signing Pablo Zabaleta has told the Daily Mail that he spoke to Manuel Lanzini before making his move to the London Stadium.
Zabaleta, 32, became a fan favourite at Manchester City following a 2008 move from Espanyol, racking up nearly 350 appearances for City in a nine-year spell with the club.
The Argentinian full back won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup with City, but now moves on after the club decided not to extend this contract this summer.
Pablo Zabaleta in action for Manchester City
Zabaleta didn’t last long as a free agent though, as he was confirmed as West Ham United’s first signing of the summer, penning a two-year deal with Slaven Bilic’s men.
West Ham have endured problems at right back for some time, and Bilic will now hope that Zabaleta – an experienced defender and proven winner – will finally rectify the issues.
West Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini
Some may feel that Zabaleta is something of a coup for West Ham, and it seems that a current Hammers star had a big part to play in the defender’s move to East London.
Zabaleta has told the Daily Mail that he spoke to West Ham playmaker and fellow Argentinian Manuel Lanzini before making his switch to the London Stadium, admitting that he is delighted to see Lanzini faring well with the Hammers.
Zabaleta revealed that Lanzini told him ‘really good words’ about West Ham, about living in London, and that he was enjoying his time with the club, all of which helped Zabaleta decide to join West Ham.
West Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini celebrates scoring
“I spoke a few times with him (Lanzini) and of course I’m so happy to see Manu doing that well,” said Zabaleta. “I think he had an incredible season and is in the list for the two games for the national team, which is really good for him. Manu is one of the main players for this club and for the team and hopefully I can meet him as a team-mate very soon.”
“I spoke to Manu, especially because when West Ham showed interest in signing me, it was a good opportunity for me to have some information about the club, especially from someone inside. It was something we don’t know from outside, of course. He told me really good words about everyone at the club, that he was enjoying himself as a West Ham player and enjoying life in London, so it was good for me to have that information to help me make my final decision,” he added.
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