Edson Álvarez is a Hammer, and the Mexican international has chosen a very special number to wear in Claret and Blue.
The midfielder secured his switch to West Ham United from Dutch club Ajax on Thursday on a permanent contract until June 2028, with the 25-year-old choosing to don the No19.
Having previously worn No4 with Ajax, and for the Mexican national team, Álvarez explained that he picked out No19 in east London due to deep-rooted family connections.
Speaking on the latest episode of Iron Cast – West Ham United’s new official Podcast – Álvarez was told he now shares the squad number previously worn by co-host James Collins, who donned the shirt across both spells with West Ham.
When asked about his decision to take the shirt, he laughed. “For you, of course! It will be a big responsibility to wear it.”
Offering his serious answer to the question, the newest Hammer continued: “It is a very special number for me. Number four I have worn most of the time, but nobody knows that 19 is a very special number for me – I can say it is the number of my family.
“My father always played with that number when he was young. When I started my career in the young categories my father put me in 19 when I was a striker! I scored a lot of goals with the 19 so it is very special for me.
“I mentioned it is the number of my family, so when they sent me the available numbers and I saw 19, I said I needed to take it.”
The newest episode of Iron Cast, featuring a full sit-down interview with Álvarez, can be watched here!
Hosted by award-winning podcaster Chris Scull and West Ham legend James Collins and available on all major apps, Iron Cast is the podcast for the Claret and Blue Army, so don’t miss your new episode every Tuesday afternoon!
