NOBLE MAN WITH A CAUSE
WEST HAM v EINTRACHT
TONIGHT, 8PM, BT SPORT 1
MARK NOBLE insists he won’t change his mind about retiring.
But the West Ham legend has vowed to come back next year and watch his beloved club playing in the Champions League – with the Europa League trophy on the seat right beside him.
The Hammers can get into Europe’s elite competition if they win the Europa League this season – and Noble, nearing the end of a Hammers career after 22 years at the club as man and boy, wants to bow out by holding aloft the trophy as club captain next month.
First, West Ham have to negotiate a tough semifinal against Eintracht Frankfurt, who they face in the first leg of the tie at the London Stadium this evening.
Noble, 34, is planning to take some time off with his family after this season ends, and he has been offered a role at the club next year by manager David Moyes.
But he won’t be making a U-turn on his decision to hang up his boots.
The Hammers hero said: “Would I change my mind if we got in the Champions League? No. That’s my honest answer. To end on lifting the trophy would be pretty special.
“If that did happen, I’d happily come and watch the Champions League games next year, with the Europa League trophy on the next chair.”
West Ham’s journey to the last four has seen them turf out vastly experienced teams like Sevilla and Lyon – but the clash against a Frankfurt side that shocked Barcelona in the quarter finals promises to be the toughest yet.
It will be the Hammers’ first European semi-final in 46 years, and Noble said: “Did I imagine this when I first started? Yes. Did I think this would happen? Probably no.
“This season for me has been special. It’s not over.
“I wouldn’t be disrespectful to Frankfurt – any team that beats Barcelona you respect. But I would be lying if I said I don’t think about the final.
“I’ve given my life to this club. Through the bad times and the good. Winning the competition would be life-changing for these players. Not just me.”