Club captain and West Ham legend Mark Noble has just one season left as a Hammers player before he hangs up his boots and retires from the playing side of the game. The 34-year-old has made more than 500 appearances for the Hammers and the skipper has said he is still not quite able to believe what his career has brought him.
Mark Noble said: “If I’m honest, I never imagined anything that I’ve achieved when I was a kid. One game for West Ham’s first team would have been enough for me, let alone in the Premier League, but to be able to achieve what I’ve achieved at this club and be involved in some history, not just for me but for my family and my kids and their family in the future, I’m very proud of that.”
Noble has yet to decide what the future will hold for him professionally but he knows that he will keep playing football, just not professionally.
Mark Noble said: “For sure, when I finish I’ll enjoy having a kick around with my mates, going to the park and having a laugh, you know. And I think after having a career like I’ve had and playing for 20 years, that will be enjoyable for me. I’ve got my mates still playing for Sunday league teams. Some of them aren’t actually bad footballers. I’m looking forward to just being able to say, ‘You know what, I fancy a kick about.’ I’m hoping I’ve still got that competitive edge even when I’m retired. I’m sure it never leaves you as a footballer.”
Alongside his playing commitments, Noble is an active charity worker, a supporter of grassroots football and is fronting West Ham’s NHS charity campaign, supporting east London’s NHS.
Mark Noble said: “Having grown up in east London, it’s even more of a privilege for me to be part of this campaign. NHS workers across the country are on the frontline every day of the year and it’s important we continue to show our gratitude for their incredible efforts, particularly after what has been extremely tough time with the pandemic. Supporting our local community and NHS trusts is something that means a lot to the Club and, of course, me personally and the rest of the squad.”
Noble is also a strong believer in sport being a key part of looking after one’s mental as well as physical health.
Mark Noble added: “I truly believe that sport and being involved with a team and that camaraderie is massive for mental health. I really do believe that. It’s camaraderie, going to the pub after, having a beer together, and then knowing that you’ve got a big game next Saturday. You might all go to work during the week, but you’re texting saying we need to do this better or we need to do that better.”
The Hammers skipper has 12 months left in the professional game but, who knows, by this time next year, you might be lining up opposite one of the Hammers’ all-time greats on a Sunday morning at your local park.
