Advertisement
Arnautovic is staying put in London.
here to stay

China target Arnautovic signs West Ham extension and stresses he 'never refused' to play

The Premier League side have announced a new contract for the striker.

MARK ARNAUTOVIC HAS signed a new contract with West Ham in a move the club hope will end speculation over the forward’s future.

Arnautovic had been heavily tipped to move to the Chinese Super League, having reportedly received a lucrative proposal from Shanghai SIPG, but he issued a statement on social media on Friday confirming he would not be leaving London Stadium.

The Austria international has now agreed to a new deal that the club says highlights his “100 per cent commitment to the Hammers”, with the player insisting, contrary to some reports, that he had never refused to play or train in order to force through a transfer.

West Ham made the announcement less than an hour after their shock 4-2 defeat to Wimbledon in the FA Cup fourth round, in which Arnautovic did not play.

Arnautovic, speaking to the club’s official website, said: “I’m happy for this and I want to say to the fans that I’m happy to stay, I glad to play again, show myself and score goals, to make assists, but also to say that the major point is Marko Arnautovic never refused [to play or train]. I would never refuse.

“I’m happy, I’m happy to come to this point. I’m happy that this club is improving. Step by step, every week, every month we are seeing some improvement and that’s good.

“Our target, of course, is to climb as high as possible in the league table. We need to start again taking some points. We know it won’t be easy against Wolves away and Liverpool at home. It’s never easy in this league but I’m sure we have enough quality to win games and to climb as high as possible in the table and then we’ll see.

“The fans gave me the power, they gave me the energy and that’s why I have to be here and that’s why I want to stay. I never wanted to run away because I hate this club, this was never my intention.

“I love this club and I will always love this club no matter what. You have decisions you have to make in life, but I say from now it doesn’t matter what happens I will always love West Ham and it will always be a big part in my life. I love this happiness, so listen, I’m here, I’m ready. I hope the fans are also ready and we go again.”

Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:

Your Voice
Readers Comments
2
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel