Harry Maguire was feeling low. He had just been told by his manager, Erik ten Hag, that he was no longer the captain of Manchester United. He had been wearing the armband for three and a half years, ever since he joined the club from Leicester City for a record fee of £80 million.
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He had led the team to three trophies, including the Champions League in 2021. He had been loyal, dedicated and passionate. He had given his all for the club and the fans.
But now, he felt betrayed. He felt that he had been unfairly treated by ten Hag, who had arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked.
The Dutch coach had a different style and philosophy, and he preferred a more agile and technical defence. He had brought in Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, and paired him with Raphael Varane, who had joined from Real Madrid in 2020. Maguire was relegated to the bench, and sometimes even left out of the squad.
He had tried to be professional and supportive, but he could not hide his frustration and anger. He felt that he deserved more respect and recognition for his achievements and contributions.
He felt that he was still one of the best defenders in the world, and that he could still offer a lot to the team. He felt that he was being wasted and ignored.
He decided that he had enough. He wanted to leave Manchester United and join another club where he would be valued and appreciated. He wanted to play regularly and regain his confidence and form. He wanted to prove ten Hag wrong, and show him that he had made a big mistake.
He had several offers from other clubs, but one stood out for him: West Ham United. The Hammers had been impressive under David Moyes, who had transformed them into a top-four contender.
They had qualified for the Europa League, and they had a strong squad with players like Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio. They also had a vacancy for a captain, as Mark Noble had retired at the end of the previous season.
Maguire liked the idea of joining West Ham. He liked their style of play, their ambition and their fan base. He liked Moyes, who had praised him publicly and privately. He liked the challenge of leading a new team to glory. He liked the opportunity of playing in London, where his family and friends lived.
He agreed to join West Ham for a fee of £40 million, half of what Manchester United had paid for him. He signed a four-year contract with a weekly wage of £150,000. He was unveiled as the new West Ham captain at the London Stadium, where he received a warm welcome from the fans.
He felt happy and excited. He felt that he had made the right decision. He felt that he had a new lease of life.
He was ready to start a new chapter in his career.
*Artikel hanya rekaan AI, tiada kena mengena dengan sesiapa antara hidup atau mati.