John Motson has destroyed Marko Arnautovic by claiming it ‘doesn’t sit well’ with him that he wants to quit West Ham for the money of China at his peak.
The Austrian has been heavily linked with a move to China, with the Hammers understood to be willing to let him go if a decent enough offer was tabled for him, as reported by the BBC, but legendary commentator Motson has been quick to question the 29-year-old’s motives.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “It tells you something when a top player would rather play in China than play in the Premier League.
“I’m only saying that for footballing reasons, but of course, it’s the money.
“It doesn’t sit well with me really, not when he’s only just gone there, and they’re given him a good contract. I mean, the Premier League is supposed to be the best league in the world.”
OPINION
It’s understandable that people are questioning Arnautovic’s supposed desire to leave West Ham on a footballing basis, but from a financial point of view, if he didn’t have his head turned by the money being offered from the Far East then he wouldn’t be human. It will be a real shame for the Hammers if he does decide to leave because he has been a standout performer for them over the past few months, but you would back them to reinvest wisely, replace him well, and bounce back from the saga stronger. Now that Manuel Pellegrini is at the helm, the feeling around the club is one of stability and assurance, and no one man is bigger than that. It may sting in the short term, but if the Austrian wants to go then the Irons should cut him loose and move on as quickly as possible.