Pedro Obiang has said he is "indebted" to West Ham after his exit from the club was confirmed earlier this week in a classy farewell message penned by the Spaniard.
The midfielder left the club to join Sassuolo in Italy for a fee believed to be around £7m after four yars and 116 appearances for West Ham having signed in the capital from Sampdoria.
Obiang found himself out of favour under Manuel Pellegrini as Declan Rice took the mantle in defensive midfielder but Obiang leaves with the blessing of pretty much every West Ham fan for being an excellent pro during his stint in the capital.
Writing a letter to Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan and published on West Ham's official website, Obiang admitted he would be open to a return one day to east London.
It said: "I am indebted to you [Sullivan] for bringing me to the club and helping me to achieve a dream of mine – playing in the Premier League, a dream which I have now fulfilled with West Ham.
"I would have dearly liked to have achieved more in my time at the club, but maybe in the future, if the doors remain open to me, I can return."
Obiang signed a new five-year contract in July 2017 following an excellent 2016/17 season but struggled to nail down a place under David Moyes and Pellegrini in the aftermath of signing on the dotted line again.
He has been looking at a return to Italy for the last 18 months but continued to be available when needed for the Hammers and not once step out of line in order to force a move through.
The Equatorial Guinea international added in his farewell letter: "I have to say some words for the supporters.
"I have some great memories with you all. The first one that comes to my head is the very first time I heard my song. Second is when I was out with injury, because I received so many good words from the fans.
"Third, the unforgettable last game we played at our old home, Upton Park, against Manchester United. And fourth, the many friends I made in and around the club. And there many more great memories.
"I wish you all the very best – and maybe one day I will come to the stadium to feel again the passion I always felt when I was there."
