Mark Noble has announced that the 2021/22 season will be his last as a West Ham United player.
The Englishman has spent his entire career with the Hammers, having racked up over 500 appearances for his boyhood club.
In an open letter to the West Ham fans, Noble has decided next season will be his last in the claret and blue.
Noble said: "I have decided, after much consideration, that the 2021/22 season will be my 18th and final one as a first-team player at West Ham.
"It is a decision I have made following a lot of discussion with my family, my friends and people at the club.
"I've also had conversations with the manager and it's clear that he and the club want to build something and continue to take the club forward in a positive way — a way I fully believe in — while my desire to keep pushing the ethos and values of West Ham, especially to our new signings and young players coming through our academy, is as strong as ever.
"I still firmly believe I have a lot to offer on the pitch. I would not have signed a new contract if I didn't feel I could do myself justice or bring value to the team.
"I still wake up every morning with that excitement in my stomach, eager to work hard alongside the players and keep pushing the changing room on."
He continued: "As you know, I am simply one of you, a fan who grew up just around the corner from [the] Boleyn and used to stand on the forecourt asking for players' shirts! I never imagined I would go on to play for this club so many times and have the honour of wearing the captain's armband for so long, but every single minute of it has been made special by the fact I am representing you.
"Next season is going to be very emotional for me, but right now is not the time for reflection. My final ambition as a West Ham player now is to experience the thrill of stepping out in front of you again. We've had amazing highs and difficult times, but the one thing that has kept us united has been our love for West Ham."
