OPINION
A worrying report has emerged in recent days suggesting that West Ham defender Pablo Zabaleta is ready to retire at the end of the season.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, the 33-year-old Argentina international is weighing up his future in the game after 15 years as a professional, and is likely to relocate to Barcelona where he owns a house with his wife.
While this report comes as a surprise, with Zabaleta in brilliant form for the Hammers so far this season, it is also a claim that seems realistic considering the defender’s age and career.
And, if it is indeed true, then Irons boss Manuel Pellegrini has a job on his hands in the coming weeks to persuade Zabaleta to give the club another year.
The right-back has been in fantastic form this season for the Hammers, nailing down a starting spot and regularly being among the best players on the pitch for the east London side.
Many expected Zabaleta to be relegated to a bench role this term following the arrival of Ryan Fredericks, but instead it has been Fredericks who has had to make do with substitute appearances amid his counterpart’s continuing form.
According to football.london, there is already an agreement for a new contract to be offered to him if he reaches 25 Premier League appearances this season, something he is highly likely to achieve.
It is clear to see from Zabaleta’s form this season that he still has what it takes to compete at the top level, and Pellegrini must convince him to take up this imminent contract offer.
The Chilean is building something special at the London Stadium, and Zabaleta has a chance to be part of that if he remains at the club for another season.
It would feel as though there was unfinished business if he were to leave in the summer, and Pellegrini now faces a big task to persuade him to remain.
