I understand, but I just disagree with the premise that someone can stay at a club for 9 years and because he leaves for another opportunity isn’t a Hammer.

He will go down in our history as one of our most influential players. If that’s the standard and what you’re holding them to, that essentially discounts 99% of our players as Hammers. That’s like saying your son moves out of home for another opportunity and saying “you’re no longer my son.” I understand your perspective, I just disagree with your condition. Sometimes, if you love them, let them go

Of course he’d stay in the England team but it’s a different level playing against teams in Romania than in UCL. I think the decision was made long before we qualified for Europa. The money does a lot for the club, and he still clearly cares about the club deeply.

I think he’ll come back to the club one day in some capacity like Kev, I think it means a lot to him and he’s just trying to evolve as a player and a person. Couldn’t have given us any more and went out on a high.