West Ham legend Alvin Martin has pleaded with Marko Arnautovic to write his name in Hammers history like Paolo Di Canio.
talkSPORT yesterday revealed the club have received a £35million bid from China for their star forward, which includes a seriously lucrative wage package.
And while the Hammers have rejected the offer, Arnautovic’s head could have been turned a little by the money on offer.
However, Martin, who made over 450 appearances for West Ham over a 20-year spell at the club, insists cash is nothing compared to having a long-lasting connection with one club.
“I hope he’ll see the light,” Martin told Drivetime on talkSPORT.
“Looking back on my career, one of the biggest things I’ve taken into my 50s and 60s is that I played for the right club.
“I was connected with that club and I’m still connected with that club and its fan base. There’s a value in that.
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“When a player gets that, it’s a very special thing. The fans adore him, the manager wants to build a team around him.”
And Martin draws comparisons between Arnautovic and one of the most adored players in West Ham’s history – Di Canio.
Di Canio played over 100 games for the Hammers and remains a cult hero to this day after producing several moments of pure genius at Upton Park.
Arnautovic should aspire to that level of admiration, insists Martin.
“One player who sums up the situation is Paolo Di Canio,” he added.
“I think they’re very similar. He’s a leader, he’s got charisma, he’s a personality that the fans adore.
“Di Canio walks back into West Ham and he is given such a welcome. That’s a big thing for a player and it’s something you should think about.
“He [Arnautovic] is someone who loves being loved. He loves being the main man and that’s what he is at West Ham.”
