Tributes to a modern day West Ham legend have poured in after his departure was made official.

Perhaps more than any other position, West Ham have always had unbelievable centre-backs. From some of the game’s greatest like Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, to some underrated units such as Craig Dawson and James Collins, it’s one position the Hammers have always excelled in.

Over the past 9 years, Angelo Ogbonna has slotted perfectly between those two groups. While not world-class, he’s been an unbelievable defender for the East London side.

Across his 249 games for the club, he scored 13 goals, including some absolutely iconic ones – his winner against Tottenham after being 2-0 down at half-time comes to mind.

Clearly, the Italian has had a massive impact on so many players over his time in East London as farewells and tributes poured in after he posted an emotional video saying ‘ciao’ to West Ham.

Former captain Declan Rice called him “one of the best” before adding “love you brother”, while Jesse lingard wrote “big bro” alongside a heart. His once centre-back partner James Collins labelled him a “legend” and so many others showed their appreciation.

Everything Ogbonna did was with class, enthusiasm and a real love for the badge. He deserves to go down as one of our Irons’ best players in the modern era and, as Ogbonna said himself, “once a Hammer, always a Hammer”.