Things might not have worked out at West Ham United as Edson Alvarez had hoped, but the Mexico captain still looks back fondly on his spell in the Premier League.
A spell which looks set to end – permanently – come the summer.
While Fenerbahce appear unlikely to spend £19 million turning his loan deal into a full-time transfer – Alvarez recently underwent surgery to correct a troublesome ankle injury – his future seems certain to lie away from West Ham United.
If Edson Alvarez RETURNED to West Ham this summer, how would you respond? 🇲🇽
And which player would be most worried by his comeback?
Sunderland v West Ham United - Premier League
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Edson Alvarez was farmed out to Istanbul last August while the Hammers were concluding deals for both Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa.
Edson Alvarez reflects on his West Ham United spell
Speaking to GQ ahead of a World Cup which will partially be held on Mexican soil, Alvarez has few regrets about his decision to join West Ham from Ajax in a £35 million deal during the summer of 2023.
“I could say that, thanks to the English league, I was able to play in the best league in the world and compete against several of the best players, which raised my level of play,” Alvarez says, taking the glass-half-full approach to a West Ham career which promised much but delivered relatively little.
Fenerbahce v Erzurumspor - Turkish Cup
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“I consider myself a footballer who always tries to learn from everyone. I’ve tried to learn from each of my moves through different leagues, and I’ve shown that.”
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Alvarez, who in one of his GQ photos sported the unfortunate pairing of tracksuit trousers with a cream blazer like Alan Partridge at the opening of a new Norwich-based squash court, would not be drawn on what the immediate future holds.
According to Dutch publication Telegraaf, Ajax are keen to offer Alvarez a return to Amsterdam. West Ham would probably have to accept a substantial reduction on their £19 million valuation for that to become reality, though.
Choose between club and country… 🤔
Jarrod Bowen celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Republic of Ireland
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Alvarez looking forward to a ‘dream’ World Cup with Mexico
The 28-year-old has started only ten Super Lig matches since joining Fenerbahce on loan with a hefty option-to-buy clause.
He remains determined to return from surgery in time for the World Cup. If all goes to plan, Alvarez will lead out Mexico against South Africa on June 11th.
“Without a doubt, being captain of the national team is an achievement I always dreamed of and have worked for every single day,” he explains. “Being Mexican is a huge source of pride, and having the opportunity to be captain in this World Cup, at home, is an enormous joy.
“It’s a dream come true!
“Every World Cup, you see thousands of Mexicans drop everything to travel and support the national team in every corner of the world. We’re a country with an enormous passion for this sport, and we also know how to be very welcoming to people when they come to our country. We have historic stadiums like the Azteca, so it’s a unique moment that I want to enjoy, and it comes a decade after my professional debut.
“It’s a dream for any kid who loves soccer.
“The World Cup at home, captain of the team; I think it will be very special, and I’ll always remember it with great affection.”
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