Zabaleta will face City next season

CITY favourite Pablo Zabaleta has joined West Ham United on a free transfer.

The Argentine made 333 appearances for the Blues during a nine-year spell at the club which saw him win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups before being released at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old did not have to wait long before finding a new club, signing a two-year deal with the Hammers to remain in the Premier League.

“This is an absolute pleasure to be part of West Ham United Football Club. I hope I can give you good moments,” Zabaleta said.

“Of course, I come to the club to enjoy myself and, hopefully, we can have a very successful time.

“Sometimes a new challenge is all you need as a person and as a player. I thought my time at City was done. It’s been a fantastic nine years, absolutely brilliant.

“Manchester City gave me the opportunity to come to this wonderful league, the Premier League, something I’ve been enjoying a lot as a player and, of course, for me it was probably the right time to move on.

“Also, as a player, I thought I wanted to keep playing in the Premier League.

“For me, after being in this country for so long, this is a new challenge for me in the Premier League and I’m ready for it and looking forward to it.”

Zabaleta is the first out-of-contract City player to find a new club this summer, with Jesus Navas, Willy Caballero, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy all being released on Thursday.