Seven points in three matches and a return to action after injury equalled a ‘beautiful’ end to the season for Pedro Obiang.
The midfielder, who had been out of action since suffering a knee injury in the FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic at the end of January, made his return to the field with a brief cameo in the closing minutes of West Ham’s 3-1 win over Everton on Sunday.
The appearance came after Obiang had been on the bench in the prior two matches, meaning the Spaniard watched on as the Hammers beat Leicester City 2-0 away before claiming a credible draw with Manchester United.
With seven points claimed in the final run-in, Obiang was thrilled with how the Irons ended the 2017/18 campaign.
It was the perfect time to take some more points. We probably have to say sorry because we made the people suffer until the end of the season.
Pedro Obiang
“It was a perfect way to end the season,” Obiang told West Ham TV. “It was the perfect time to take some more points. We probably have to say sorry because we made the people suffer until the end of the season. But, sometimes it’s beautiful to wait.
“It’s always important because we have to keep positive. In the last three games, we’ve played really good football and taken a lot of points, so to finish with three points is one of the most important things. You have to finish with something at the end.”
A tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee against Wigan seemed to have ended Obiang’s campaign at the start of 2018, with it originally believed that the 26-year-old would be back in time for pre-season.
However, the midfielder insists he always believed he would be back on the pitch again this season.
“For even me, today was exciting because I was expecting this moment for a couple of weeks,” he continued. “Even if I didn’t feel 90 or 100 per cent, I have to be with the squad. I waited for my time and they gave it to me, which was really nice.”
The midfielder has now called on the side to take the form from the final week of this season into next year, as the side looks to improve on the 13th placed finish achieved.
Obiang added: “We have to take the summer but I think in the last month we’ve improved a lot. We have to continue that way.”