Emotional Mark Noble is left teary-eyed as West Ham fans pay tribute to him with applause in the 16th minute of his final home game… before the club legend comes off the bench to a rapturous response against Man City
- Mark Noble wiped tears away after emotional fan tributes in his last home game
- The iconic West Ham midfielder, 35, has been with the club for his entire career
- Supporters hailed his loyalty and contribution before his side played Man City
- They also clapped in the 16th minute of the game in reference to his shirt number
- Noble came off the bench with 13 minutes to go to the delight of the home fans
An emotional Mark Noble came off the bench to make his last home appearance for West Ham in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
Noble seemed to wipe away tears after a tribute from West Ham fans prior to the match at the London Stadium on Sunday.
And the 35-year-old midfielder collected the captain’s armband from Declan Rice for the final time in a home game after replacing Manuel Lanzini as a substitute in the 77th minute.
Mark Noble was teary-eyed following a tribute from West Ham fans before his last home game
Noble made his long-awaited appearance when he came off the bench with 13 minutes to go
Noble, a one-club man, has spent 22 years with the Hammers, with 548 appearances coming in all competitions.
Supporters hailed Noble’s loyalty and longevity before the game with a pre-planned salute to his career, leaving the tunnel first to soak up the applause and chants.
He also left a classy signed note to journalists in the press box, wishing them his love and best wishes.
The one-club man and West Ham captain was presented with a framed shirt after the match
Noble’s arrival onto the pitch for the game against City was greeted with a rapturous response from the crowd inside the stadium.
After the game, with Noble again appearing tearful, he was embraced by City boss Pep Guardiola on the pitch.
‘I hope that in the last 18 years I have done you proud,’ said Noble in a speech to supporters.
‘I’ve got a lot of family here today… and when I say a lot of family I mean 60,000.’
Noble thanked supporters and said he had ‘hoped I have done you proud’ in a speech to fans
Pep Guardiola gave Noble a warm embrace after full-time and had some words for the player