Carlos Comes Home

Carlos Tevez returned to Upton Park with the rest of the Argentinean national side in last night’s international friendly against Croatia. The South Americans, who boasted the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria within their star-studded ranks, eventually won the match 2-1 thanks to a deflected Aguero finish and a converted spot-kick from Messi. Niko Kovac’s Croatia notched a consolation goal through Anas Sharbini, but it was ultimately not enough to stop the 2014 World Cup finalists. The crowd of 19,000 went home happy after witnessing the world’s best player grace the East end and the Boleyn Ground.

For West Ham fans however, this match was about one man and one man only. Carlos Tevez’ return to his first club in Europe was always going to mean more to the locals than seeing the four time ballon d’or winner Lionel Messi, the leading Premier League goal scorer Sergio Aguero or fellow former Hammer Javier Mascherano, who indecently spoke kindly of the West Ham fans despite his indifferent stint at the club.

Speaking to West Ham TV prior to the match, Carlos Tevez, the 2007 Hammer of the Year, had this to say:

“Looking forward, I know I’m going to be playing a home game. I care very much about all the West Ham people and I always miss them. It was my first time in Europe and they made me who I am today. I am a number one West Ham fan forever.”

Who is the Greatest West Ham Legend?

The Contenders:

Bobby Moore: England’s 1966 World Cup winning captain has to hold a significant place amongst all West Ham heroes. Bobby Moore was not only a consistent world class performer in the claret and blue, but he more importantly embodied the entire spirit West Ham and it’s fans. The local gent has even been referred to as ‘the greatest defender I’ve ever played against.’ by Pele. Yes, Bobby Moore is more than just a past footballer. His legend has a certain mystique amongst English sporting folklore that has simply not been reached by any of his contemporaries or future players.

Paolo Di Canio: For more recent Hammers supporters, Di Canio is THE man.  His enigmatic celebrations and frustrations captivated the Upton Park faithful like a wizard revealing one spellbinding trick after another. Goals against the likes of Manchester United and Wimbledon act as the most defining memories it what would become a fruitful relationship between Di Canio and the fans. The passionate Italian found his home-away-from-home at Upton Park, symbolizing just how powerful the magic of football can be. Lets hope that it’s not too long before the he returns to the West Ham bench as the future Irons manager, for this is how to truly celebrate his legendary status within the club.

Billy Bonds: Bonzo may not have been the most gifted of West Ham players, yet his powerful leadership and no-nonsense character were a manifestation on the pitch of just what it means to be a Hammer. Irons fans will forever remember Billy Bonds as a fighter who wore the shirt with a pride that has never been matched. He will therefore always remain a West Ham favourite.

Carlos Tevez: Although Carlitos only spent one season at Upton Park and cost the club millions in compensation to Sheffield United, fans will always remember just how special his time was. After arriving under questionable circumstances, Tevez initially failed to meet the hype that surrounded him. Yet after scoring a beautiful free kick against Tottenham the floodgates opened for the stocky Argentine. His goals came when West Ham really needed them, eventually saving the club from relegation. Although Tevez may not be considered the greatest of all West Ham legends, his cult hero status will never be taken away.