Footage emerges as Maxwel Cornet makes business move away from West Ham
West Ham United forgotten man Maxwel Cornet is set to take his first steps into the business world.
The 30-year-old winger hasn't played a single minute for West Ham since the 2023-24 season.
Loan moves to Southampton and Genoa have followed for the Ivorian over the last few years, all of which being fairly underwhelming.
Indeed, he failed to provide a single goal contribution from his eight appearances for Genoa last season.
He is, however, registered in Nuno Espirito Santo's West Ham squad for the 2026-27 Championship season, meaning he could still play a part this term.
That seems highly unlikely though, and the Hammers outcast's focus may now be starting to lie away from the London Stadium and football in general.
What is Maxwel Cornet setting up for his new business venture?
Given he's spent the vast majority of his career contracted to clubs across Europe's top leagues, it's fair to say Cornet will have earned a fair bit of cash.
Now at the stage of his career where the twilight years could be approaching, Cornet's stock as a player has probably never been lower.
He's evidently not in Nuno or West Ham's plans, and his recent loan spells won't do much to drum up interest in his services.
As a result, the former Burnley and Lyon man could be closer to the retirement door than some may think.
Taking to his Instagram story on Monday, Cornet shared a video post from an account called Prime Padel.
This, as the account's biography makes clear, is the name of the new padel centre he's opening in Metz, France.
In the footage, we see the outside of the centre as well as what the layout of the building looks like where Cornet's vision will come to life.
Translated from French, the caption reads: "Excellence begins here. Soon, a new padel reference in Metz.
"An ambitious project, thought down to the smallest details to deliver a gaming experience that meets your requirements. The Prime Padel adventure has just begun."
But why Metz? What significance does this city in northeast France hold to Cornet and why does it offer a possible clue regarding his own future?
Could Cornet be returning back to where it all started?
Born in the Ivory Coast, Cornet and his family moved to and settled in Metz when he was just three years old.
Aged seven, he would sign for Metz's academy, and would make his debut for them aged 15 all the way back in 2012.
He'd go on to make 27 appearances for the Maroons before leaving for Lyon in January 2015.
So, Metz will definitely have a homely feel for Cornet, and the decision to open his padel centre there is no coincidence.
Maybe this could also mean he'd be open to returning to play for Metz before his career ends, or at least put down more roots there post-playing career.