West Ham United defender Pablo Zabaleta first arrived in England when Manchester City signed him from Espanyol in 2008.
After spending nine seasons at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola’s side released the right-back after the end of the 2016/17 season and he joined the Hammers as a free agent.
The 35-year-old’s current deal with David Moyes’ side runs out after this campaign.
Speaking to Radio Continental in Argentina (as relayed by La Razón), the player has decided to end his time in England.
“I am quite clear that I am leaving England when my contract with West Ham ends,” he said.
“I want to live with my family in Barcelona. Now I am at that stage when you have days that you think about going on for a couple of years or that a guy in training ruins you and you think about leaving,” the South American explained.
Zabaleta spent three years, between 2005 and 2008, at Espanyol and a return to his former club would help him fulfil the family’s wish of living in Barcelona.
La Razón states the West Ham player’s comments have been interpreted as a message that he wants to return to the Spanish club.
The La Liga side are placed bottom of the table and are also looking at Granada’s İsmail Köybaşi. This has been confirmed by the Turkish right-back, who revealed he has already negotiated with Espanyol.
