WEST HAM have turned down the chance to re-sign Marko Arnautovic, according to reports.
The Austrian winger left the Hammers for a lucrative move to Shanghai SIPG in January 2019 for £23million.
Arnautovic is eager to leave the Chinese Super LeagueCredit: AFP or licensors
Arnautovic, 31, impressed during his time in East London but burned bridges after falling out with staff and players having forced a move to China.
His deal at Shanghai saw him pocket a deal worth a staggering £280,000-a-week.
He scored 22 goals in 65 appearances in claret and blue but the Daily Mail write how West Ham have opted against bringing him back to the club.
The report adds how West Ham believe he is too expensive as boss David Moyes looks to strengthen his side in January.
Arnuatovic has scored 16 times in 29 appearances in China but admitted in September he underestimated the demands of football in the Chinese Super League.
He told Sky Sports: “I underestimated the conditions here. I was thinking okay, I’ll come here, like in Europe, let’s play a game, it should not be hard. It was very hard.
“It was true, I had some games that were not good and I know the expectations are high, but I’m ready and born for this. I’m born for challenges.
“I underestimated and I didn’t train and I didn’t look after my body, drinking fizzy drinks, what is not good for the body. Eating at wrong times.
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The Austrian left under a cloud at West Ham in January 2019Credit: AP:Associated Press
“When I came to China it took me about three weeks until I adapted to the time. I went to bed at 6 or 7 in the morning, woke up at 3 or 4 in the afternoon and went to training. Stay up again all night.
“I put in my mind the club wanted me to come. To do well. To play for the title.
“I changed because I need to do better and be fitter, otherwise you can’t play here. When you’re not in a fit condition you cannot play in China.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
