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Some players just understand what it means to represent West Ham. While there are the obvious local lads like Mark Noble, I have always been fascinated by outsiders who join the club and, over time, buy into the ethos and heritage.
Pablo Fornals is one such player who just gets what it means to be a Hammer and became an adopted Cockney. Alvin Martin was probably the best example of this because the young lad from Liverpool converted from Scouser to East End lad over an illustrious career spanning nearly two full decades.
James Collins, aka The Ginger Pele, may not have played as many games as Alvin at centre back, but he just got it. The boy from the Valleys fully embraced what it meant to be an Irons player, and who could forget him joining away fans on West Ham’s travels?
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Fornals is very much the modern version of those two Hammers stalwarts, and his recent interview in the New York Times with Roshane Thomas is powerful stuff and a well-recommended read.
Fornals loved his time at West Ham
Touching tribute to adopted Cockney
The Spaniards recollection of a farewell speech by David Moyes was particularly touching and a reminder of how much he took the club to his heart.
“The manager did a beautiful speech about me in front of everyone. It’s something I will never forget. The manager didn’t want me to leave but knew I wanted to play. Although he wasn’t able to play me week in and week out, that speech made me realize how proud he was of what I’d done and the love he had for me as a person. There are some moments where words are not needed; I started crying.”
Fornals continued: “I had interest from another Premier League team, but there’s no way I could join another club in England. It would feel weird playing against the club I love. If it’s not West Ham, there’s no chance. It could be City or Man United; I can’t do it.”
It’s a huge shame that things worked out as they did for Fornals. However, it’s a credit to him that he doesn’t seem to bear any grudge or bitterness and only reflects positively on his time at the club… what a guy.