A star has spoken out on social media about West Ham’s decision to release him after 15 years with the club.
West Ham have been making big headlines of late.
The decision to part ways with David Moyes after four-and-a-half years has been a hot topic of debate in recent weeks.
So too has the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as his replacement as West Ham’s new head coach.
On the same day Lopetegui was unveiled, the FA revealed they are charging West Ham’s £85m star Lucas Paqueta over alleged involvement in illegal betting.
Amidst all that, Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten are trying to plot what is a major Hammers rebuild this summer.
The Spaniard is inheriting one of the smallest squads in the Premier League.
Depending on what happens with Aaron Cresswell, West Ham’s squad will consist of just 16 or 17 players this summer.
Lopetegui overhaul begins
So at least eight or nine signings will be required.
There has been a lot of talk that Lopetegui will be looking to bring on some of West Ham’s talented Academy stars as part of his new-look squad.
But one who definitely won’t be part of Lopetegui’s new era is once highly-rated midfielder Dan Chesters.
The Hitchin-born star joined West Ham’s academy all the way back in 2009.
The 22-year-old made two senior appearances for the Hammers under Moyes in both the Premier League and Europe.
After spells on loan at Colchester and Salford City, though, Chesters has been let go by the club.
Now the young star has spoken out on social media about West Ham’s decision to release him.
Star on West Ham’s decision to release him
And the message he has posted is just pure class.
Thank you West Ham,” Chesters said on Instagram alongside a kiss.
“It’s hard to put a goodbye into a few words.
“It was my dream to play in the Premier League for your football club and I’m so grateful for the
opportunity to have achieved that.
“Memories, friendships and people I’ll never forget.
“Thank you for everything you did for me. Hopefully see you one day soon again. DPJC.
“Forever grateful and looking forward to my next chapter.”
What a classy message from the youngster.
It is so easy for these young players to become embittered when they don’t make it at the club at the top level.
Pure class from youngster
Chesters signed professional terms with the club in the summer of 2020 and his progression was rewarded with a new contract in early 2022.
The wide midfielder made his first team debut as substitute in the UEFA Europa League group stage home win over KRC Genk in October 2021, and the Premier League away clash against Liverpool.
Chesters was involved in West Ham’s pre-season last summer, playing in the game against Perth Glory.
But that would be as good as it got for him with the Hammers.
Chesters showed plenty of promise at West Ham. But so few cut the grade in the Premier League.
He isn’t the first to struggle to establish himself at the elite level and he certainly won’t be the last.
There is no reason he cannot go on and make a living out of the game at a lower level, though.
And everyone at West Ham will be wishing him well trying to achieve just that.
Once a Hammer, always a Hammer.