Former West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian has revealed that he made a “drastic decision” when he opted to leave the club at the end of last season.
The Spanish shot-stopper had been with the Hammers since 2013 and, during his time wit the club, he managed to rack up 150 appearances between the sticks in all competitions, keeping 43 clean sheets (Transfermarkt).
However, in the 2018/19 campaign, he fell behind Lukasz Fabianski in the pecking order at London Stadium following the Polish international’s arrival from Swansea City. Indeed, Adrian didn’t play a single minute of Premier League football last season and was limited to just three FA Cup and two League Cup appearances (Transfermarkt).
Despite the lack of game time, there was still a three-year deal on the table for the 33-year-old in the summer. However, he chose to reject that offer as he claims he didn’t feel valued by the club.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Adrian said: “I’d made a drastic decision not to stay any longer at West Ham, despite having a three-year contract offer on the table. I hadn’t played a single game all season in the Premier League. I didn’t feel valued economically either, to be honest. It was tough for me.”
He ended up joining Liverpool on a free transfer and he has managed to play plenty of games under Jurgen Klopp. An injury to Alisson meant that he was called upon earlier in the season and so far this term he has made 15 appearances, 10 of which have been in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).
Many West Ham fans have been reacting to what Adrian had to say about his departure from the club and it seems that many don’t blame him at all for leaving and feel he made the correct decision. Here is what some had to say on Twitter…
I Totally understand that m8 , fair play, you’ll be getting yourself a title winners medal at least, its a shame the way our terrible owners let it end
Bt many kids in hospitals/ schools will rem your visits, you did a lot for the community, all of us loved ya Adrian @WHU⚒
Atb— kevhammer (@kkboleyn) February 13, 2020
Made the right move
— Dazza Gibbo (@DazzaGibbo8) February 13, 2020
So pleased this guy made the right decision. @HearPeteRoar look at what he has achieved since.
— Finn MacLean (@FinnMacLean) February 13, 2020
Think he made the right move, anything got to better than playing for West Ham. One of the reason we have a lot of overpaid second rate players the good ones would rather play second fiddle at a good team rather than play regularly at West Ham
— colin denwood (@CJDenwood) February 13, 2020
Don’t blame him. Top goal keeper. you shatter anyone’s confidence, and they will under perform. Liverpool are lucky to have him. Soon to be premier League winner. Possibly a cup and possibly champion of Europe. 🙌
— Dean (@DAZ600) February 14, 2020
Gonna get a championship medal for playing a few games for liverpool, plus keep a bench warm until needed for stupid amounts of money. Fair play to him I say
— Steve (@49whufc_smh) February 13, 2020
West Ham fans, do you wish Adrian had stayed at your club? Let us know your thoughts below…
