Marko Arnautovic is giving professional footballers a bad name. For his agent to have said that he wants to challenge for titles in China is treating West Ham and their fans with complete and utter disdain.
His desire for a move is fueled by nothing more than greed. What Arnautovic chooses to do with his career is up to him but there was no need for that statement to be issued.
If he is heading for the exit, he should show the club who helped resurrect his career a great deal more respect.
Despite doubts about his attitude, West Ham took a chance on Arnautovic and made him their record signing.
Even after a slow start to his career at the London Stadium, the supporters took him to their hearts and embraced him as their main man.
Arnautovic has repaid that faith by looking to make a fast buck — even though he already earns around £100,000 a week.
Trying to force a move would be easier to stomach if he wanted to test himself at a bigger club. If you harbour ambitions of having a top career at the highest level, you don’t move to the Chinese league aged 29.
West Ham are still in the FA Cup. If he inspired them to win that trophy, he would go down in the club’s history. If he does go to China he risks fading away