By Beck Pascal

3rd Feb, 2022 | 1:10pm

'Freaks' - Mark Noble opens up on West Ham retirement

Mark Noble has shared the truth on his West Ham retirement, calling his teammates ‘freaks’.

The 34-year-old is set to bring his 18-year playing career with the Hammers to a close at the end of the season. 

The Irons skipper admitted making the decision himself rather than being moved on was a huge part in the decision to call it a day. 

“The game has moved on now, the game is physically strong and powerful,” Noble said on Vibe with FIVE. 

“You see the boys now and a lot of them are freaks! I will be 35 in May and I have always said I want to go out when it is my decision, I don’t want to be told by an agent or a club ‘you are done, your legs have gone.”

He added: “I have watched on for the last year and played a few games but the recovery at 34 is different to when you are 21. If you have a bruise and a dead leg at 22 that has gone in two days but now you get a kick and it is still there three weeks later but that is just your age and what happens.”

Right call

Noble has made the right decision to leave at the end of the season. 

He has happily played a reduced role this season but not by choice. The magnificent form the Hammers and all of the players have been in has kept the skipper out of the side. 

He would be happy with the spells he has enjoyed on the pitch at times this season but being afforded more time to reflect may have helped him in his decision. 

If he isn’t playing this season very much, what are things going to be like for the Irons veteran next season? 

Noble has already admitted he wants to leave on his own terms and by retiring in the summer he is doing exactly that and can keep his head held high.

Hopefully the team can deliver him a farewell present by finishing the season as strongly as possible and maybe even snatching a trophy.

In other Hammers news, View: West Ham must be cautious with talisman Antonio.