Manuel Lanzini is well and truly back and could be in line for his first start of the season against Manchester City, but the West Ham United ace has stated: “The best is yet to come”.
Manuel Pellegrini had only been able to call on the 26-year-old for a few minutes against Fulham, yet those vital seconds on the pitch were a joy to behold after the endless wait we endured while the Argentine was ruled out through injury.
The blow meant he could not recreate the partnership he had begun to forge with Marko Arnautovic or develop a new one with Felipe Anderson, while his elusive dribbling and creativity in the pocket behind the Austrian has been sorely missed.
Seeing the 4-cap international back instantly earned the attention of the fanbase on Friday, and it has not gone amiss for Lanzini, who has told the club’s official website: “After eight months of work and recovery, I went back to doing what I like doing most and what I love on Friday night.
“The sound of the supporters cheering for me and singing my name when I entered the pitch in the second half was unbelievable and it is what I have worked so hard for.”
The road to recovery is, however, not yet entirely over and the Argentine must overcome a few more minor hurdles – such as playing the full ninety – but the 5 foot 4 star has vowed to keep plugging away until he can.
“I felt good on Friday, but I know I still have work to do to get to my best fitness levels and best form,” Lanzini added. “I am determined to get there, but I know I have to be sensible and not rush things.
“We have many good things to work for in the future and I am looking forward to playing for Mister Pellegrini and his staff. We have a very strong squad here and hopefully we can achieve good things this season and in the next seasons.”
Once shared on the Hammers’ official Twitter account, these Irons fans were quick to reply…
Preferred @manulanzini over Payet, just thought we would potentially get more out of him in the long run. Would have been more upset if he had left. Can’t wait to see the link up play with @F_Andersoon #COYI
— ⚒Adrian Smith⚒ (@adiesmith64) February 26, 2019
@manulanzini + @F_Andersoon = ????????????????????
— Daniel Vazquez (@DanielV16750380) February 26, 2019
Huge bonus having him back in the squad
— Danny (@DannyWatkins52) February 26, 2019
Great to have you back.
— samantha young (@sw2587) February 27, 2019
We love u too manu. Looking forward to u linking up with anderson and nasri. Potentially dynamite midfield on the way for us excited irons.aint nobody ????⚽️????
— tracey andrews (@lemlem75) February 26, 2019
We hammers certainly missed https://t.co/zdfVhbeGsF good to see you back .
— Brian mills (@mills7_mills) February 26, 2019
Ooh how we love him ????❤️⚒
— Mary (@ZaynafamilyMary) February 26, 2019
Never leave
— Aaron (@_AaronD7) February 26, 2019