Mark Noble and Declan Rice have taken to Twitter to send messages to Pablo Zabaleta, after the ex-Manchester City star announced his retirement from football following his departure from West Ham,
The former Argentina international left the London Stadium in June after his contract with the east Londoners expired, departing alongside Jeremy Ngakia and Carlos Sanchez.
West Ham’s official website states that he was offered a short-term extension, but he was carrying a small injury which prevented him from accepting the deal.
Noble wrote: ‘What a true gentleman, enjoy retirement my friend’.
In Rice’s case, he tweeted: ‘An honour to get to know you as a player and as a person Zab! One of the greats. Enjoy Retirement.’
Judging by these responses, it is clear that Zabaleta was a popular figure amongst the West Ham squad.
After being signed by his former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, the 35-year-old made 79 appearances for the Irons.
His efforts helped keep the club in the Premier League during the entirety of his stay in east London.
Additionally, it’s evident through Noble’s description of him as a ‘gentleman’ that the ex-Espanyol right-back carried himself well at the London Stadium.
Zabaleta enjoyed a trophy-laden career.
In addition to earning 58 caps for Argentina, the Buenos Aires-born man won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups and also the Copa del Rey during a glittering career.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
