Zabaleta excited for ‘new challenge’ with Hammers

Pablo Zabaleta insists he is excited for a new challenge and feels his time at Manchester City ‘was done’ after joining West Ham on a two-year deal – the Hammers’ first signing of the summer.

The full-back, whose contract with the London side will begin on July 1, is an impressive recruit for the club, who will welcome Zabaleta’s breadth of experience.

During his nine-year stint with the Citizens, in which he made 333 appearances, the Argentina international was not short of silverware, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and two League Cups.

Having apparently turned down offers from top clubs in Italy, Spain and England, Zabaleta has chosen to wear Claret and Blue next season, but is grateful to City for bringing him to the Premier League.

(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“Sometimes a new challenge is all you need as a person and as a player,” he said.

“I thought my time at City was done, it’s been a fantastic nine years, absolutely brilliant.

“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 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.”