In an interview with The Athletic this week, Pablo Fornals filled West Ham fans with memories and nostalgia as he spoke about his unconditional love for the club, saying “It would feel weird playing against the club I love.”

In January 2024, Pablo Fornals left West Ham for Real Betis in search of more game time. The Spaniard was starting to become lesser important to David Moyes’ squad, often finding himself sat on the bench. The arrival of Mohammed Kudus and the use of Paqueta out on the left really reduced his minutes on the pitch.

Fornals said: “I had interest from another Premier League team, but there’s no way I could join another club in England. It would feel weird playing against the club I love. It’s easier to live in London than other European countries, but if it’s not West Ham then there’s no chance. It could be Manchester City, or Manchester City. I can’t do it. I can’t picture myself scoring or celebrating against West Ham.”

Pablito was loved by West Ham fans almost instantly, it was him singing “I’m forever blowing bubbles” on Instagram live during the COVID-19 lockdown that truly kicked it off. His connection with the fans continued to flourish throughout his time at the club,

“When I needed that bit of love during hard moments, the club was there for me. I’m so grateful I was there during one of the most successful moments of the club’s history. We qualified three years in a row for Europe, won a trophy and the fans have a chant for me. One of the best moments of my life was my team-mates and staff singing my chant at my wedding. My wife (Tania) and some of my family didn’t know the words but they were having a good time, dancing with Michail (Antonio) and others. I was jumping up and down like a hooligan! So when I say I can’t play for another club in England, this is why.”

After winning the Conference League, Fornals began to become a more sporadic squad member under David Moyes in the 23/24 season, he only started four league matches before leaving for Andalucía in January 2024.

“I was in the stadium with the team for that match (against Bournemouth),” he said. “I asked Moyes if he could put me in the squad because I wanted to help until the last second. I told him, ‘If you need me, I am ready’. But the club decided no. After the match, I recorded a video expressing my appreciation to everyone who supported me and my family. I was really emotional because the manager did a beautiful speech about me in front of everyone. It’s something I will never forget. The manager didn’t want me to leave but knew I wanted to play.

“Although he wasn’t able to play me week in, week out, that speech made me realise how proud he was of what I’d done and the love he had for me as a person. There’s some moments where words are not needed — I started crying. All my team-mates hugged me and started singing my chant. I was sad when I left the London Stadium.”

Fornals’ move to Real Betis almost collapsed on deadline day, however, UEFA got involved and the deal managed to get sorted after the deadline. He has had a great start to his career at Betis, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 26 matches. He also captained the side for the first time in a match against Leganes at the Estadio Benito Villamarin last month.

However, despite being happy in Seville his heart still seems to be in East London. He said: “Me and my wife often talk about how much we miss London. I miss the freedom of going anywhere. Even when I bumped into West Ham fans, they would either do the Irons sign, or were always respectful and would say, ‘Sorry to bother you and your family, can I get a picture?’ But if I walk in Seville town centre, the Real Betis fans are very passionate so they would rather talk about the team, than ask for pictures.”

Pablo and his young family are yet to return to London since leaving at the beginning of the year, however, he hopes to attend a game at some point this season and Hammers fans will certainly give him a warm welcome back.