Kurt Zouma could have picked Declan Rice, Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and many others when the former West Ham United captain was asked, following his arrival at CFR Cluj, to name his ‘best teammate’.
Back in 2023, Zouma celebrated Europa Conference League glory alongside Rice, Paqueta, Bowen, Antonio, but also Tomas Soucek, Said Benrahma, Emerson Palmieri and more.
Declan Rice became ‘one of the best in the world’ at West Ham United, and his trajectory has only continued since that £105 million move to Arsenal. Jarrod Bowen is a forward of ‘world-class’ quality, while in Lucas Paqueta, Kurt Zouma spent some time with a Brazil international boasting Lyon and AC Milan on an eye-catching CV.
That is without mentioning Mohammed Kudus, or the Hammers’ all-time record Premier League goalscorer Michail Antonio.
Yet, after Zouma completed a shock move to Romanian outfit Cluj this week, he picked none of the above when asked to name his ‘best’ ever teammate in a series of quickfire questions.
Instead, the former France international elected for Nayef Aguerd. The centre-back who was bundled unceremoniously out the back door this week when joining Marseille for a £13 million loss.
Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen celebrate during Crystal Palace FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
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Kurt Zouma picks Nayef Aguerd as his standout West Ham United teammate
Now, in Zouma’s defence, he is better placed than most to pass judgement on a Morocco international who became something of a maligned figure in East London.
While the two centre-halves struck up a close bond off the pitch, they made numerous appearances alongside each other across two seasons in claret and blue. Yet, given that Aguerd never hit the same heights Zouma did while wearing West Ham colours, one would be forgiven for being taken aback by his choice.
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Especially as Zouma formed much more successful partnerships with other Hammers defenders. Craig Dawson, for instance.
“For best teammate, I’d choose Nayef Aguerd,” Zouma told the official CFR Cluj Instagram account, while also selecting Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero as his ‘most difficult opponent’ and Monaco’s comeback kid Paul Pogba as his ‘best friend in football’.
Declan Rice - West Ham United v FCSB: Group B - UEFA Europa Conference League
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Zouma explains shock Romania switch as he joins CFR Cluj
While Nayef Aguerd bid farewell to West Ham on transfer deadline day, the former Rennes defender returns to France alongside left-back Emerson, Zouma’s contract expired two months earlier.
And while reflecting fondly on his time in the English capital – that Conference League triumph remains Zouma’s most ‘special’ moment despite winning the Champions League with Chelsea – the Lyon-born 30-year-old is now keen to let the past remain the past as he looks forward to a fresh start in the most unexpected of destinations.
Kurt Zouma celebrates after ACF Fiorentina v West Ham United FC - UEFA Europa Conference League Final 2022/23
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“I feel good and I’m glad to be here,” the former St Etienne, Stoke City and Everton defender smiled during his official unveiling as a CFR Cluj player.
“It’s a new chapter for me, a new country, a new culture.
“I have many moments that I’m proud of,” adds a man who inherited the captain’s armband from Declan Rice in 2023. “I’m not going to lie, I’m extremely grateful to football. I have many good moments.
“I would say when I won the Champions League was one of the best, of course, and when I came to West Ham and won the Conference League as well. I think it was even more special.”