Israeli born player, Yossi Benayoun played in the testimonial match of Mark Noble.
The right-wing midfielder played for West Ham in the 2012/2013 season while on loan from Chelsea FC. As West Ham move to the newly built Olympic stadium, they have had a splendid season that serves as a send-off.
They are in sixth position in the top flight league and are in contention for UEFA Champions league spot. The Hammers are also still in the FA Cup with a replay against Manchester United on Wednesday. The club celebrated Mark Noble’s testimonial in a great way recently.
The testimonial saw many past players return to the Boleyn ground. Israeli winger, Yossi Benayoun also returned to pay testament to the club captain at the event.
Yossi joined West Ham in 2005 and impressed in two seasons before his joining The Reds for 5.48 million Pounds. He returned to the squad in 2012 but currently plies his trade with Maccabi Haifa.
He played during the testimonial and commented on how the West Ham fans deserved a move to a bigger stadium.
“I had a good two years with West Ham and I had a good relationship with the supporters. The Boleyn Ground is a special ground and it’s also nice to see the Club having a great season in the last year. They are great fans here so I think they deserve a bigger stadium because they can fill any stadium. I wish them all the best in the future,” Yossi Benayoun said as shown on the club’s website.
Despite his spell at other English teams during the span of his career, Benayoun remains something of a cult hero at West Ham.
In the international scene, the player has been recalled to the Israeli national team where he achieved a record 97th cap for his country.