A lot of West Ham fans are not happy after seeing former Irons player Marko Arnautovic speaking about his time at the club and the fan base.
Speaking to Laola.at, the striker said: “I have a kind of love-hate relationship with West Ham fans. I was at the top of the fan list, they really loved me. My exit was a bit more difficult, and I was also called ‘Snake’. Anyone who has followed my career knows that I am immune to something like this.”
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The Austrian quickly became a fan favourite in East London, picking up 12 assists and scoring 22 goals in 65 appearances, as per Transfermarkt, and was a vital player for the squad. However, it seems like the lucrative attraction of China was too much to resist and, after submitting a transfer request at the club in January 2019 (as per the Independent), the forward finally got his move when he was signed by Shanghai SIPG in July 2019 for £22.5m, as per Transfermarkt.
This ruined the relationship between the 31-year-old and many West Ham fans, who have been fuming at the manner in which he left for more money, and his latest comments have added fuel to the fire. Arnautovic doesn’t seem to understand that the relationship is more ‘hate’ than ‘love’ and it would be interesting to see the reaction he got if he ever came up against the Hammers in the future
Here is what some West Ham fans said following the Austrian’s comments:
Arnautovic: “I have a kind of love-hate relationship with West Ham fans. I was at the top of the fan list, they really loved me. My exit was a bit more difficult, and I was also called ‘Snake’. Anyone who has followed my career knows that I am immune to something like this.” pic.twitter.com/hURNSPFeX6
— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) May 6, 2020
It’s just a hate relationship at this point fella
— Sam Mays (@_SammayS) May 6, 2020
You’re also immune to being fit for 3 games in a row
— Arthur Powell (@Arthur_WHU) May 6, 2020
Yup, snakes usual are.
— Ernest (@ernestereid) May 6, 2020
You’re not immune to it #arnautovic . You played the best football of your career at #WHU . And then you blew it, when you were ALREADY on a king’s ramson, to go play in a third rate league. Greed, and bad decisions have consequences. Deal with it. https://t.co/cgtQ3JbtcS
— Expat in Essex (@ExpatInEssex) May 6, 2020
Any reason you’re still talking about it then? You’ve left, move on!
Loyalty in football barely exists anymore anyway.. if you feel like coming back just say 😂🤷🏻♂️. Only gotta score one big goal https://t.co/9gAQttjlHM
— Brad Ross ⚒ (@_BradRoss) May 6, 2020
That’s a real snaky thing to say hahaha https://t.co/VJ2dy2rCbp
— Corumlinvirus (@Crumlin_Village) May 6, 2020
West Ham fans, do you think Arnautovic regrets leaving the London Stadium? Comment below with your views!
