The Hammers cult hero is yet to extend his contract beyond the end of the season but his latest comments have been hailed by some of the fanbase.
West Ham United defender Pablo Zabaleta has described rumours of his impending retirement as “absolute rubbish”.
The Argentine right-back will be 34 in January and, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, is yet to sign a new deal at the London Stadium.
Despite only coming on board in June 2017 following his Bosman departure from Manchester City, Zabaleta has become a Hammers fan favourite.
With 53 West Ham appearances already under his belt (Transfermarkt), some club faithful are hoping that he will be clocking up plenty more beyond the end of the season.
Indeed, many supporters were chanting his name during last week’s 2-0 win at Fulham in the Premier League, and urged him to sign a new contract with the Hammers.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Zabaleta said he will make a decision on his future at the end of the season as a matter of selflessness, but insists he is not looking to hang up his boots just yet.
“I don’t want to be selfish,” he said, as quoted by the West Ham website. “I just want to think about the team to do well first and then, at the end of the season, we’ll see what is the best for me, for the club and for everyone.
“I will try to be 100 per cent about that decision but I will continue playing. There was something in the papers saying ‘Zabaleta is thinking about retiring’ and let me tell you that is absolute rubbish!”
Some West Ham fans took to Twitter after Zabaleta’s comments were published online and virtually all of the replies were very positive:
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