“We are delighted to confirm that Angelo Ogbonna has signed a new one-year contract,” West Ham officially announced today. Many fans are delighted as well and so are his team mates with Kurt Zouma being the first to post “Uncle Ang’” in response to the news.
Having joined from Juventus in 2015, The Og has gone on to make 232 appearances for the Irons and clearly loves the club, that 'love' is particularly reciprocated by fellow centre backs Nayef Aguerd and the aforementioned Zoooooooma!
Zouma and Aguerd are the preferred centre back pairing for David Moyes, but given both players injury record it has to be assumed that Ogbonna is not just being given another contract for fun! Although lacking in pace now he still has a great calmness about him that can be essential as he is brought on as a substitute to see games out. He is also a massive influence in the dressing room and is a much needed voice since Mark Noble decided to hang up his boots.
At 35 years of age, Ogbonna is no spring chicken, but he is the most experienced of the Centre Back trio and will no doubt play an important role next season, although obviously more as a substitute. The club's qualification for the Europa League means lots more Thursday Sunday games so the veteran will get more than a good run out as the season progresses.
Everyone involved will be wishing Angelo good luck for the future both on and off the pitch. - LN
Comments
Well said Louis
No substitute for experience and he will as you say help out the younger players coming through.....a true professional and 100% Hammer through and through
Totally agree
The ogg has never let us down
Well earnt
Contract extension. By the way, Bobby Moore had no pace either. Never bothered him
Not wrong there
Deluded
Think Ogbonna was surprised
He was waving Goodbye at the Leeds game Think he has been kept on for his experience and seniority in the back room he is a long-standing servant of WHU and I remember seeing him on his debut at Chalton in a friendly it was also Payets debut as well in July 2015. I think both Cresswell and Oggie have been given another year's contract instead of a testimonial although Cress has 10 years to Oggis 8 years and is one of Zoumas Back up team when Kurt gets injured, and unfortunately its when he gets injured not if. A great servant to us deserves it. And he is Italian if we keep Scamacca he could be important.