Classy Edson Alvarez has reached out to West Ham with a heartfelt message after being shipped out to Fenerbahce and there was one very special mention.
There is no denying Edson Alvarez failed to live up to his early performances at West Ham over the last 18 months.
It was always going to be a tough ask for Alvarez to replace generational talent Declan Rice in any way, shape or form in West Ham’s midfield.
But the Mexican made a good fist of it at first when arriving from Ajax for £34m.
Alvarez’s big problem was his lack of power, pace, athleticism and stamina and it started to show in the second half of his first season.
Alvarez failed to build on early West Ham promise
David Moyes publicly criticised Alvarez as his time at West Ham started to wind down, calling for the midfielder to improve his stamina and discipline.
Alvarez fell out of the starting XI towards the end of Moyes’ tenure.
He failed to impress Julen Lopetegui too, with claims the pair did not see eye-to-eye backed up by the fact they blanked one another when Alvarez was sent off twice in as many weeks last season.
Alvarez was also seen venting his anger at Lopetegui when being subbed in a Carabao Cup game against Bournemouth.
At one point it was claimed Alvarez was one of five Hammers stars who went to the owners via Tim Steidten threatening to leave unless Lopetegui was sacked.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
When the axe fell on the Spaniard, Graham Potter came in and it looked like he would be a key player for the new Hammers boss.
Potter could be seen conversing with Alvarez on the touchline several times each game early on.
But the pair reportedly had a big falling out ahead of a game against Southampton towards the end of last season and he was not in the squad for three games.
Alvarez sent a post on social media after the Hammers drew 1-1 with the Saints which appeared to be a dig at Potter.
Alvarez sends heartfelt message to West Ham after Turkey move
Alvarez sent another cryptic West Ham post on social media immediately after he was an unused sub for the defeat to Sunderland, suggesting God has a better plan for him.
That plan, it seems, was to join Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce.
Given West Ham’s lack of quality in midfield, Hammers fans have been left baffled that the club sanctioned Alvarez’s departure.
Especially with James Ward-Prowse starting every game in midfield.
And particularly after the 5-1 defeat to Chelsea compounded fears West Ham could be relegated.
Now Alvarez has sent a heartfelt message to West Ham and gives one very special mention.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesClassy Alvarez gives special mention to Hammers fans
The Mexican has taken to social media to break his silence on the Hammers since his exit.
This time it was not so cryptic either.
In an Instagram Stories post, Alvarez shared a picture of himself in a West Ham shirt doing the crossed Hammers salute.
It was accompanied by a classy message to the club and singled Hammers fans out for praise.
“I want to wish West Ham the best of luck this season,” Alvarez said.
“To the fans, thank you for your incredible support and passion,” he added with Hammers and bubbles emojis.
West Ham were left frustrated by the fact they did not receive any offers from clubs to buy Alvarez in a permanent deal.
His loan with Fener does include a £17.5m option to buy – but that is described as an unlikely end scenario.
Ajax are hoping to bring Alvarez back to Amsterdam next summer when they hope to have their finances in order.
The message from Alvarez is a touch of class from the player.
Especially as Hammers News understands things got a little heated between him and the club before he left.
Desperate to offload his wages and pick up a modest loan fee, West Ham were not happy after Alvarez stalled over the Fener move after they laid on a private jet for him and his entourage.
But in the end Alvarez went ahead with the move to Turkey.