West Ham's Pablo Zabaleta says 2019/20 will be his final season in English football

By Sam Preston

West Ham defender Pablo Zabaleta has said that the 2019/20 season will be his last campaign in English football, according to Sky Sports.

The Argentine signed a one-year extension to his Hammers contract – that Spotrac claim is worth £75,000 per week – but won’t continue in this country beyond that.

He said: “This will definitely be my last season in England, for sure. This is something I know. I will try to enjoy it because I have been in the Premier League for so long and I’ll miss it.

“I know I am 34 and getting a bit old but I am honest with myself and still a good professional. I am still enjoying being in and around the team and helping young players.”

(Lintao Zhang/Getty Images for Premier League)

The timing is probably about right for Zabaleta, who had some decent games last season but his legs cannot give him the consistency or the speed he needs to be a starting right back for a side with West Ham’s ambitions.

Ryan Fredericks struggled initially last season, but grew into it by the end and the plan is likely to be for the Englishman to take the reins this term, with Zabaleta offering guidance and cover.

Sam Bryam is off to newly-promoted Norwich, which is perhaps a slight surprise as he may have been able to offer cover at right back next season with Zabaleta leaving then.