Jarrod Bowen and Nuno Espirito Santo have refused to rule out a departure from West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League. The Hammers captain scored in a 3-0 final-day victory over Leeds United, but results elsewhere, including Tottenham's win over Everton, confirmed the club's demotion after 14 years in the top flight.
Bowen's Emotional Farewell
The 29-year-old forward was visibly emotional as he thanked the fans remaining at the London Stadium after full-time. When questioned about his future, Bowen insisted it was "disrespectful" to discuss such matters so soon after the club's relegation.
"It's still very, very raw," he told BBC Sport. "Talking about futures is disrespectful to the club, the fans, everything like that. This club deserves to be in the Premier League. Our aim now is to get this club back into the Premier League."
Pressed further, he added: "It's disrespectful to everyone to start talking about that. I want this club to be in the Premier League. It's a club that means so much to me and has given me so much so my vision is to get this club back in the Premier League."
Bowen, who missed out on England's squad for the upcoming World Cup, has scored 10 or more goals in each of the past five seasons for West Ham since joining from Hull City in 2019.
Nuno's Stance
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo echoed Bowen's position regarding future plans, stating that fans "will know" his situation but only at a more appropriate time.
"It's a moment of deep sadness for all of us at the club," said Nuno. "It was a tough day, we had a tough mission, we lost the privilege of deciding our own future."
"If you ask me now about the past and the future, I don't think it's the best days to understand the moment of sadness of our fans, of ourselves, of the club, and apologise and thank them for all of the support they gave us."
"It was a strange season in terms of points, normally 39 I think in the last 10 years or so has given the teams enough to keep safe. We improved, but it's not enough."
Both Bowen and Nuno are now expected to be among a number of high-profile departures from the London Stadium during the summer transfer window, as the club prepares for life in the Championship.
