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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Pablo Fornals says Malaga made a ‘big mistake’ over £28m West Ham signing Nayef Aguerd

Pablo Fornals believes Malaga made a “big mistake” in not offering Nayef Agured a contract in a ringing endorsement of the new West Ham signing.

The Moroccan international completed a move that could cost up to £28m last month, joining David Moyes’ upwardly-mobile side from Rennes.

Signing a left-footed central defender was made a priority for the club this summer as they prepare for another season of European football, with the 26-year-old seen as a key signing.

Fornals began his career with Malaga and first encountered Aguerd during his trial with the Spanish club while he was still playing in Morocco.

That, however, proved unsuccessful and the defender would join Dijon in 2018 before moving onto to Rennes two years later.

The pair remained in contact, with Aguerd hailing Fornals as a “good friend” during his official unveiling as a West Ham player. Now, Fornals has reflected on Malaga’s decision, beaming that was he was “really pleased” to play with him in the Premier League.

“I met him when I was 16 and we still keep in touch, so that means it’s because both of us are people who try to be around honest people, and this guy is,” he told the club’s official website.

“I think Málaga made a big mistake not giving a chance to him, but look at the career he has made in football and a Club like West Ham is bringing him in.

“I am really pleased to be playing with this guy again because when I first met him I saw good things from him.

“We have since gone on our own career paths, but I’m really happy that our lives and careers connect us again.”

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