The post-relegation exodus at West Ham United is beginning to take shape, and Wednesday brought the kind of bittersweet farewells that hurt almost as much as the drop itself. Both Callum Wilson and Axel Disasi took to Instagram to say their goodbyes to supporters, drawing a curtain on a painful season that ended with the Hammers dropping into the Championship.
Wilson's message struck a raw nerve with supporters who had watched the striker fight for minutes all season. He wrote: "It hurts. We have failed as a team and definitely fallen short of everyone's expectations. It was well documented that I had a history with West Ham, yet from the moment I arrived, I felt nothing but welcomed by all the fans here."
The striker did not shy away from the frustration of a campaign in which he felt consistently underutilised. "I felt really good and positive coming into this season, and I believe I could have contributed more given the opportunity. As you could see, my time on the pitch was very limited at times, but that was out of my control. I've always trained hard, kept my integrity, and given my all whenever I've been allowed to wear the iconic Claret and Blue shirt."
It was pointed but dignified. Wilson did not name names or point fingers, but the message was clear — he believed he had more to give and was not always given the chance to prove it. He signed off with genuine affection. "I'm sad and extremely disappointed that it has ended this way. This club deserves so much better because there are so many unbelievable people behind the scenes that you fans don't always get to see."
Wilson had joined West Ham on a one-year deal after leaving Newcastle, bringing with him a Premier League record of 239 appearances and 88 goals across his time at Bournemouth and Newcastle. His best days may be behind him, but his affection for the club appeared entirely genuine.
Disasi redemption campaign complete
If Wilson's farewell carried frustration, Disasi's was defined by warmth and grace. The French centre-back, who arrived on loan from Chelsea in February, posted a heartfelt message to the club's supporters that reflected just how much his brief time in east London meant to him.
"Thankful to West Ham for everything," he wrote. "From day one, you welcomed me as one of your own and gave me your trust, especially during a difficult period in my career. I always tried to give everything of myself every time I wore this shirt, despite the difficult outcome for all of us this season. I will always be grateful for the support, the people I met and the moments shared together. I wish the club, the fans and everyone around West Ham nothing but the very best for the future. I truly hope the club comes back stronger and competing where it deserves to be."
It was a message that reflected the quiet dignity Disasi brought to his entire stint at the London Stadium. A whopping 291 days had passed since his last appearance at Premier League level when he arrived, frozen out at Stamford Bridge and starved of football. What followed was one of the quiet success stories of a deeply troubled season. He quickly established himself as an indisputable starter and an indispensable element of the West Ham defence, earning man of the match honours three times in just a few months. Six of West Ham's seven clean sheets came with him in the XI.
Nuno Espírito Santo reportedly wanted to keep him this summer, but relegation to the Championship completely changes the situation. Disasi will return to Chelsea, with a summer sale deemed very likely and a bidding war potentially on the cards — AC Milan were extremely keen in the winter and could move again, while Premier League clubs in need of defensive reinforcements are also expected to make enquiries.
Together, the exits of Wilson and Disasi capture the cruel reality of what West Ham are now facing — players who gave something genuine to the cause, gone before they could see it through. One leaves expressing frustration at opportunities denied, the other departs with nothing but goodwill, hoping the club finds its way back to where it belongs.
Add us as a preferred source on Google