West Ham sign Pablo Zabaleta on free transfer
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Updated 26/05/2017 at 12:13 GMT
Pablo Zabaleta has wasted no time finding a new club, with the Argentine right-back set to join West Ham when his Manchester City contract expires in July.
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Pablo Zabaleta of Manchester City arrives at the stadium prior to The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Middlesbrough and Manchester City at Riverside Stadium on March 11, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo
Image credit: Getty Images
The 32-year-old, who has signed a two-year deal, becomes the Hammers’ first signing of the summer.
"Sometimes a new challenge is all you need as a person and as a player. I thought my time at City was done. It’s been a fantastic nine years, absolutely brilliant," he told the club’s official website.
"Manchester City gave me the opportunity to come to this wonderful league, the Premier League, something I’ve been enjoying a lot as a player and of course for me it was probably the right time to move on.
"Also, as a player, I thought I wanted to keep playing in the Premier League. For me, after being in this country for so long, this is a new challenge for me in the Premier League and I’m ready for it and looking forward to it."
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City fans salute Pablo Zabaleta
Image credit: Getty Images
Zabaleta won two Premier League titles at City during a nine-year stay at the Etihad, but found opportunities restricted over the past two seasons.
He was given a hero’s send-off last week after coming off the bench during the 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion, with the defender welling up during an emotional farewell interview to the fans.
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