Zab: I love City... but not today
PABLO ZABALETA is ready to fight for West Ham today – even if his heart is still with Manchester City.
The Argentine full-back won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup in nine years at the Etihad.
He still loves to watch the newlycrowned Premier League champions on TV when he’s not playing – that’s providing, of course, that wife Christel hasn’t booked tickets for a Disney spectacular.
But, with the Hammers still not assured of their top-flight status, he is focused on stopping the City juggernaut looking to amass 100 points.
Zabaleta said: “I spent the best time as a footballer at City when at my peak.
“And at the Etihad, it was probably a bit more emotional because it was the first time I came back and it was a bit weird to play there in a different shirt.
“But it was good, it was a great game, and we were so close to getting a point when we lost 2-1. This weekend we’re fighting relegation and, even if they’re champions, they’ll want to go for records.
Tough
“We saw the game against Swansea, they won 5-0, so it’s going to be tough.
“But we need to look at ourselves as well – I am a West Ham player now and want West Ham to win this game.”
Zabaleta swapped the pressure of chasing trophies for the pressure of battling relegation last summer.
He added: “When I signed with West Ham, I knew it wouldn’t be the same.
“But I am enjoying being in this situation as well. It’s tough, of course, but you feel the pressure anywhere.
“When I was at City, you are thinking, ‘We have to win the game to win the League, the League Cup, the FA Cup, the Champions League.
“And here the feeling is, ‘We have to train well, we have to prepare well because at the weekend we need to win three points, if not we are going down’. “You are still fighting for something.” Zabaleta was gutted he couldn’t watch City’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool.
He said: “When I watch City, I am shouting a bit from the sofa, especially in Champions League games.
“I missed the first Liverpool game because it was my son’s birthday – my wife booked Disney On Ice, I couldn’t believe it! It was probably one of the greatest games to watch, but my son is the most important person in my life.”
Zabaleta ought to know of any chinks in their old club’s armour. But he added: “I don’t see many weaknesses. We know we are playing not to get relegated – and this is massive.”