Jarrod Bowen and captain Kurt Zouma have led tributes to departing boss David Moyes from 4 big West Ham United stars.
David Moyes came, saved then conquered with West Ham and now he’s gone.
Brazilian star Lucas Paqueta kicked off the tributes to departing Hammers boss Moyes.
Tomas Soucek was Moyes’ first signing on his return to West Ham in January 2020.
The midfielder then added his own touching tribute to Moyes today as the Scot leaves to be replaced by Julen Lopetegui.
Moyes’ second signing upon his return to east London was also arguably his best. That man Jarrod Bowen.
Bowen scored the goal which saw West Ham win their first major trophy for over four decades.
When Moyes said farewell to West Ham fans after the 3-1 win over Luton last week, supporters serenaded him with chants of ‘Champions of Europe, you made us sing that’.
Hammers stars pay tribute to Moyes
That Bowen goal and Moyes sprinting down the touchline will live long in the memory of everyone connected with the club.
Now Bowen and captain Kurt Zouma lead the tributes to Moyes from 4 big West Ham stars.
Bowen, Zouma, Michail Antonio and Alphonse Areola have added their parting messages to that of Paqueta and Soucek.
And some of them are enough to give you a lump in your throat.
Bowen, who has always praised Moyes for believing in him by bringing him to the London Stadium, took to Instagram to share his thoughts.
“Thank you for everything boss,” Bowen said.
“Thank you for bringing me in to to be part of this special club and all the memories we shared
together.
“A great manager but an even better person.”
Bowen, Zouma, Antonio and Areola pay tribute to Moyes
Moyes raised eyebrows when he made Zouma West Ham captain following the departure of Declan Rice.
Moyes pushed hard to sign Zouma from Chelsea and he stood by him throughout the cat-kicking scandal.
While his captaincy has at times been questioned this season, Zouma clearly appreciates Moyes judging by his message.
“The season is officially over and I think it is the right moment to say big thank you to the gaffer,” Zouma said on Instagram.
“We have spent three top seasons together I can’t thank you enough for the support you gave me throughout my good and tough moments.
“You brought me to West Ham be successful and we did! I wish you all the very best for your future boss.”
‘We couldn’t have done it without you’
Antonio was already here when Moyes came in.
But it was under the Scot that he was converted into a striker and West Ham’s record-breaking number nine.
Antonio has been a key player for Moyes and West Ham. And he too shared his love for his departing manager on Instagram.
“Another season has gone by,” Antonio said.
“Disappointed not to make Europe but we focus on the positives from the season and we build on them.
“There’s going to be lots of changes in the new season and the gaffer is going to be one. It’s been a very eventful five years, semi-finals, a trophy and breaking so many records.
“We definitely couldn’t have done it without you gaffer. You came in and helped us become something better. Good luck in the future.”
‘It was an honour’
Areola was signed by Moyes on the advice of goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero.
And it was one of the best decisions he made. Initially arriving on loan from PSG, Areola had to be patient to become West Ham’s number one under Moyes.
He was the Hammers’ cup goalkeeper as they won the Europa Conference League before being elevated to first choice by Moyes this season.
Now the France stopper has paid his tribute to Moyes as well.
“Best wishes to the Gaffer, it was an honour to play for you and learn from you!” Areola said on Instagram.
“Thank you.
“Good luck with your next chapter!”
I think I have something in my eye.