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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Malik Ouzia

Mark Noble sends message to West Ham fans after ‘incredibly emotional’ final home match

An emotional Mark Noble bid farewell to West Ham fans he called “family” after his final home match on Sunday, telling them: “I hope I’ve made you proud”.

Noble came on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City at the London Stadium, the Hammers’ last home game of the season.

It was the midfielder’s 549th appearance of a phenomenal 18-year career at the club, and while he could yet make that 550 at Brighton on the final day, this was a last opportunity for the Hammers faithful to pay tribute at their own ground.

A giant banner bearing Noble’s name and shirt number 16 lay on the pitch ahead of kick-off, while a fan mosaic greeted the players’ emergence ahead of kick-off.

Noble was introduced on his own prior to kick-off and then given a guard of honour by teammates, staff and their families after full-time, before being presented with a commemorative framed shirt.

“A little bit better after that performance, let me tell ya,” Noble said, when asked how he was feeling after playing in front of a home crowd for the final time.

“It’s an incredibly emotional day for myself and my family. I’ve got a lot of family here today and when I say a lot of family, I mean 60,000.

“All I can say is that I hope in the last 18 years I’ve done you proud.”

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