West Ham’s Adrian responds to questions about NUFC’s interest over the summer – praises Benitez

West Ham stopper Adrian has praised Rafa Benitez after he was asked about the interest he received from NUFC over the summer, saying he’s known the Spaniard for a ‘long time’ and wishes him all the best – but not for tomorrow’s crucial game with the Hammers!

Rafa’s search for a new number one was clear over the summer, and a move for West Ham’s Adrian was widely reported after he failed in his pursuit of Willy Caballero and Napoli’s Pepe Reina.

At the time, Adrian was frozen out at West Ham and his future looked bleak following the loan signing of Joe Hart, however he has recently seized his chance in the side and impressed with some superb displays back in the first team.

Ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Newcastle, Adrian has responded to questions about our interest over the summer, admitting that he’s known ‘very good manager’ Rafa Benitez for a long time:

“To be honest, the start of this season was the hardest three or four months I have had at West Ham.

“At the end of last season, I got my position in the starting eleven again and I played well and we finished well so to be out of the team at the start of this season was hard for me.

“I knew that, if I worked hard, this opportunity would come, initially in the cup games, and possibly in the Premier League, to show my level.

“I have known Rafa for a long time. He is a very good manager and did a very good job at Newcastle when they were in the second tier.

“They started the season very well but they have not got good results in their last few games, so it’s a good time for us to give our maximum in our own stadium and get the three points.

“I wish Rafa Benitez the best but not on Saturday!”

With Benitez still on the look out for a new number one, Adrian may have been on his January radar, but a deal for the 30-year-old Spaniard looks unlikely now.

Not only has he fought his way back into David Moyes’ side, but he’s been highly impressive on his return. I don’t see them selling him in the first place now, never mind to a potential relegation rival.

Frustrating as he’d have been an improvement on our current options and clearly knows Rafa well, however that ships looks to have well and truly sailed now.

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About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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