West Ham midfielder details ‘very difficult decision’ to leave London Stadium
West Ham United is not a destination that currently looks appealing to players.
West Ham were battered 3-0 by Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, a result that has seen the pressure cranked up on Graham Potter after a dreadful start to the season.
The Hammers saw multiple players leave towards the end of the summer transfer window, with very little coming in, as only Igor Julio was signed on deadline day from Brighton.
Potter has faced multiple issues in his midfield this season, and one of his former players in that position has spoken out about his departure from the London Stadium.
Edson Alvarez describes ‘difficult decision’ to leave England
Edson Alvarez joined Fenerbahce this summer on a loan deal with an option to buy next summer for £19million.
Alvarez endured a dismal spell at West Ham since arriving in 2023, failing to stamp his authority in a relatively weak midfield as the Hammers slid away from European contention.
The Mexican has since spoken out about his move to Turkey, describing how difficult it was to decide to leave East London this summer for the sake of his career.
Speaking to Fox Sports Mexico, Alvarez said: “I think we are in a society that makes you think that you are only worth if you get something, or society. I think he wants me to meet his expectations.
“Obviously, it was a very difficult decision to know that I was leaving the Premier League. In the end, I made the decision mainly for myself, because in the end, this is my career, it’s my story.”
When asked about how he was able to make the decision to leave, he said, “Supported by my family, which I think is the most important thing. If you have the support of your family, your friends, your close people, well, I think it becomes even easier.”
- Read more: Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling blast Graham Potter for ‘strange’ West Ham decision vs Tottenham
Alvarez’s departure was one too many for West Ham
In most scenarios, Alvarez’s departure makes sense given how poor he had been at the London Stadium over the past two seasons.
However, the Hammers have not adequately replaced the midfielder, resulting in them having to start Guido Rodriguez on the opening day at Sunderland in a 3-0 defeat, a decision which was loathed by fans.
Players West Ham have sold this summer:
- Mohammed Kudus – Tottenham
- Nayef Aguerd – Marseille
- Edson Alvarez – Fenerbahce
- Emerson Palmieri – Marseille
West Ham do have talented youngsters in the squad, including the likes of Freddie Potts, but they cannot keep justifying Alvarez’s departure when their midfield is being overrun in every game.
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