Gabby Agbonlahor backtracks on ‘Mickey Mouse’ Europa Conference League verdict after West Ham United success
Gabby Agbonlahor has backtracked on his claim that the Europa Conference League was a “Mickey Mouse Cup” after the success it brought West Ham United last season.
The Hammers claimed their first trophy since 1980 when they defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in the Europa Conference League final last month, with Jarrod Bowen netting a dramatic late winner for David Moyes’ side.
Speaking to talkSPORT about Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and their chances in the European competition, Agbonlahor changed his tune and admitted it had now gained exposure after West Ham’s success.
“The reason I called it a ‘Mickey Mouse Cup’ was because it was at the early stages of the competition being formed.
“Now the competition’s gained exposure, there’s been bigger teams that have come into the competition and to see what it meant to West Ham last season, it’s gone from Mickey Mouse to a top European competition.”
Quelle surprise
It comes as no shock that Agbonlahor has completely reversed his opinion on the Europa Conference League now that Aston Villa have qualified for it next season.
The Hammers led the way in the competition last year and highlighted that success is certainly achievable for whichever Premier League side qualifies for it in the future.
Although Moyes led the Hammers through a pretty average Premier League campaign, finishing 14th on just 40 points, their Europa Conference League victory ensured they would be playing European football for a third successive season under his leadership.
With Declan Rice set to leave the London Stadium this summer and West Ham still likely to have plenty of midweek ventures into Europe, the need for sensible recruitment has never been as important as now.
Hopefully, Moyes and the club can oversee a seamless transition now that Rice is set to seal his transfer to Arsenal.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are already preparing to cash in on the Declan Rice money as they hold a transfer meeting in London as they’re confident of sealing a £50million signing.