Jesse Lingard is excited to make his competitive debut at the City Ground when Nottingham Forest face one of his former clubs, West Ham United, in the Premier League next weekend.
The 29-year-old is set to play against the Hammers - the side he impressed at on loan during the second half of the 2020/21 campaign. While many suggested a move to the London Stadium was on the cards for the midfielder, Lingard was keen to start afresh and make a name for himself at the City Ground after parting company with boyhood club Manchester United.
West Ham boss David Moyes admitted he had expected Lingard to return to the London club. “I was surprised, yeah,” he said. "I thought Jesse in the end would come here and I’ve got to say the club made him a really good offer.
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"You couldn’t turn around and say David Sullivan and the owners didn’t do everything they could to get him. They certainly did. I’ve got to say the club have tried to get lots of players but for different reasons we’ve not been able to get them.”
Both Forest and West Ham fell to defeat on the opening weekend of the season. The Hammers were beaten 2-0 at home by reigning champions Manchester City, while the Reds lost by the same scoreline away to Newcastle United.
Ahead of the much-anticipated next match, Lingard posted on Instagram: "Happy to make my Nottingham Forest debut, can't wait to see you all at the City Ground next weekend. Thanks for all your support."
The 29-year-old England international featured the full 90 minutes at St James' Park and could be a key player for Steve Cooper's side this season.
Will you be in attendance at the City Ground? Let us know in the comment section...
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