West Ham fans have taken to Twitter to react after Angelo Ogbonna commented on his exclusion from Italy’s EURO 2020 squad.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera (via GFNI), the 33-year-old said: “I’m amazed and also bitter. Maybe he hasn’t taken into consideration West Ham’s season, even though we fought until the final day for a Champions League spot. In sport, meritocracy should prevail.”
In our view, Ogbonna has every right to be bitter about Mancini’s decision.
The West Ham No.21 was absolutely fantastic this season – even though he doesn’t like running – and played a huge part in the club’s brilliant 6th place finish in the Premier League.
Ogbonna made 28 appearances under David Moyes as the Hammers kept 11 clean sheets.
The former Juventus man also scored three goals, all of which were crucial.
Ogbonna scored in a 2-1 win over Leeds, before scoring in another 2-1 win as West Ham beat Aston Villa.
With a European place at risk of slipping away, he then scored a crucial goal late on against West Brom in the penultimate game of the season, which eventually fired West Ham into the Europa League.
Ogbonna’s exclusion is baffling
What makes Mancini’s decision even stranger is the fact that Ogbonna has already won 13 caps for Italy, so he’s hardly a stranger to the national team.
Italy’s loss is West Ham’s gain.
Ogbonna will, at least, have a nice rest over the summer, and come back to Rush Green in good condition.
For now, let’s see what the West Ham fans on Twitter have been saying about his comments…
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