Former West Ham manager Harry Redknapp has questioned the loyalty of modern day footballers after it was revealed Marko Arnautovic wants to leave the club.
The striker’s agent and brother, Danijel Arnautovic, yesterday told talkSPORT his client wishes to go to China following a £35million bid from an unnamed club which is thought to include a seriously lucrative wage packet.
A statement read: “He wants to go to a new market and challenge for titles. This is what he wants.
“It is his great desire that West Ham accept the offer from China.”
And Redknapp has rubbished any suggestion of Arnautovic moving due to ambition, claiming the striker is more driven by greed.
“They come and they go,” he told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast. “A mate of mine had a horse and named it ‘We’ve Got Payet’.
“And I told him in six months he’ll have to rename that horse ‘We Had Payet’. That’s how it works.
“Forget loyalty. The days of people staying at clubs forever is long gone.
“I don’t know the boy, but he never looks that happy. He’s a real good player, he’s got great talent, but it’s a shame for West Ham fans. It’s sad really but that’s the way it’s gone.
“It’s not like it was when it was all lads who came from within an area, played for West Ham, that was their club and they were all happy to be there.
“Now, there are probably four or five of them who would love the chance to jump ship and move to China or anywhere else they can make a few quid.
“In their mind and the agent’s mind, they’re just thinking of the next move where they can make a few quid.”
West Ham have rejected the offer for Aranutovic, who cost the club £20million to buy in 2017, and wish to keep him at the London Stadium.
The former Stoke man has starred since his move to east London, scoring 19 goals in all competitions.
He has quickly established himself as a fan favourite for his flair and fiery personality, although his agent’s statement seriously risks upsetting the supporters.
His brother added: “Marko is professional and is preparing himself for the Arsenal game. He will give 100 per cent for West Ham. That is Marko. He will never change.
“Until he is no longer a West Ham player, he will give everything to the club. He hopes the fans can respect his wishes.”
