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Earlier today, we covered part of the interview which West Ham United defender Fabian Balbuena gave to the Paraguayan media.

Speaking to Versus Radio, the player claimed he never had an offer from Lazio, and confirmed he’d sit and speak to the Hammers about a contract extension this summer.

Now more quotes are coming up from Paraguay regarding Balbuena’s current season with West Ham.

He claims it’s been hard to hold a place in the team given the big competition there is in the squad, and the Coronavirus protocol only made things more complicated for him.

“This year I didn’t start well, because I had contact with someone who tested positive for Covid. When I joined I had already lost my position”, Balbuena told Versus Radio (via Cronica).

“At this level of competition, logically, one cannot give their minimum because he’s going to lose his position. In our team, for example, Issa Diop played a great game and scored a goal, that speaks of the competitiveness of the squad. The competition is very tough.”

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Balbuena also gave some details of the injury which has been bothering him this month and harming his chances to get back on the team.

“I had been having calf discomfort for weeks. The day we played against Manchester United for the FA Cup I felt a very strong pain, so I didn’t enter as a replacement for Ogbonna who had been injured. From there I have been working differently, luckily I didn’t break any muscle, it was only a small contracture and tomorrow I join the teammates.”

Finally, regarding the lack of supporters in the stadium, Balbuena claims he can’t wait to have them with the team again.

“Their presence is needed now. It’s a shame not being able to enjoy this moment of the team with them.”

Currently in the fight for an European spot, West Ham next play Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium on Sunday.