West Ham players and fans have taken to Twitter to console midfielder Manuel Lanzini after he was forced to drop out of the World Cup.
Lanzini was named in Forde Sampaoli’s 23-man squad for this summer’s tournament in Russia last month, however recently suffered a knee injury in training, ending any hopes of travelling to his first ever World Cup.
The West Ham playmaker could be out for several months and miss the start of the next Premier League season, but the Argentinian FA will pay his wages until he returns due to the injury happening on international duty.
After being replaced by River Plate veteran Enzo Perez, Lanzini shared a heart-felt message, conveying his heartbreak at having to withdraw from the competition.
In an emotional Instagram message, Lanzini said: “I feel pain for being so close to living the dream I had as a kid, to play a World Cup, but not being able to do it.
“I want to thank my family, colleagues and the fans, for all the support and affection I have received.
“I hope that my teammates can reach their goal, together.”
A fan favourite at the London Stadium, players and fans alike have shared their support for the 25-year-old in what is an undoubtedly difficult time …
https://twitter.com/Noble16Mark/status/1005063179179872256
Messi and the rest of the Argentina squad reacting to Manuel Lanzini’s injury ☹️☹️ pic.twitter.com/vOC0C483UB
— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) June 8, 2018
Absolutely gutting News about Lanzini. The club are concerned about the injury but won’t know full extent until our doctors have assessed but at the moment they fear he could be out for most of next season 😢⚒
— ExWHUEmployee (@ExWHUEmployee) June 9, 2018
Increasingly worried that Lanzini’s injury may be career ending.
The club also feel the same way.— IronsHome (@Irons_Home) June 8, 2018
Everyone at West Ham is devastated about Manuel Lanzini’s injury except Andy Carroll who now has a travel companion for his planned September trip to Ibiza.
— West Ham American (@WestHamAmerican) June 11, 2018
Get well soon Lanzini
— Griot (@_samini_) June 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/hammerandtalk/status/1006017758490955776
Reports that Manuel Lanzini’s injury is worse than first thought. After seeing some Argentina players crying after witnessing it, it doesn’t look good.
Gutted for him, about to play with some of his idols after beating some big names to a spot.
Stay strong @manulanzini 👏🏼⚒ pic.twitter.com/i6AUgWN9Wd
— Uber West Ham (@UberWestHam) June 8, 2018