Pablo Zabaleta has established himself as a cult hero at West Ham United but he could well have been playing elsewhere.
West Ham may have struggled last season but amidst all the doom and gloom and supporter protests one player stood tall against the odds.
Experienced former Argentina star Zabaleta was written off by many when West Ham signed him on a free transfer from Manchester City.
Regarded as past his best, many doubted the fullback’s ability to get up and down and make a difference for the Hammers in the fiercely competitive and demanding Premier League.
That appeared the case in a handful of games.
But over the course of the season Zabaleta was one of West Ham’s most consistent performers and was voted the club’s third best player behind Hammer of the Year Marko Arnautovic and runner-up Declan Rice.
Super quick and super fit Ryan Fredericks was brought in over the summer with people once again writing Zabaleta off as back-up with another year on the clock.
Yet again he has proved everyone wrong, though, emerging as the number one right back and one of the first names on the teamsheet.
His performances in West Ham’s recent turnaround have been top class and served to endear him to the Hammers faithful even more.
He could have been playing elsewhere, though, according to the man himself.
Speaking to Football Italia, Zabaleta has revealed he almost joined Serie A giants Roma instead when his time at Manchester City was winding down.
“I was close to Roma two years ago,” Zabaleta told Football Italia.
“They had offered me a three-year contract.
“I thought it could be a great experience, but those were the years when Pep Guardiola had arrived in Manchester and he said that he wanted me there.
“After so many years at City, I made a choice with my heart and decided to remain. I have always thought that I’d enjoy an experience playing in Italy, though.”
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