Spending the vast majority of the first half of the season on the bench, Angelo Ogbonna has found some form and regular football since Boxing Day, dropped for the first time against Tottenham at the weekend.
The 30-year-old, bought from Juventus in 2015 for £10m, has made 127 appearances in all competitions over the past four seasons, and has no intention of leaving of his own volition anytime soon.
Sitting down with Corriere dello Sport for their Wednesday edition, Ogbonna was asked about his feelings towards the Premier League, which he’s got to know rather well in recent years.
He said: “It’s great. I’ve found stability and serenity. I play in a competitive league, probably the most prestigious one in the world. I have a contract with West Ham until 2022, I’m happy and I intend to stay here for a long time.”
Of course, that will entirely depend on the club and Manuel Pellegrini, but there’s been no indication the Italy international is going to be sold in the next transfer window.
Later on in the interview, the centre-back was also asked by the Italian newspaper to recommend a player for his former club, Juventus, for the next transfer window.
His answer: “I’ll give you the name of one of my teammates at West Ham. I see him train everyday, so I know what I’m talking about. Declan Rice. He’s only just turned 20, is young and will get better. He started as a centre-back, but has great technique.
“He does everything right, quickly. It’s not for nothing he’s already been given a cap with the national team.”
