Mark Noble in tears as West Ham fans pay emotional tribute to midfielder in final home game after 18 years at club

MARK NOBLE was left in tears as West Ham fans paid an emotional tribute to the midfielder on his final home appearance for the club.

The 35-year-old came on as a sub in a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Man City but the day was about more than the result for Hammers fans.

Noble will retire at the end of the season after 18 long years as a fan favourite in East London.

West Ham held a ceremony for their captain after the game before the players took their lap of honour.

Noble said: "I feel better after that performance. Obviously it's an incredibly emotional day for myself and my family.

"I've got a lot of family here today and when I say family I mean 60,000 of you. I don't want to talk too much, I've been too emotional lately.

"But I want to say thank you to anyone who's ever helped me in my career.

"The last two years, the players and the staff have been simply incredible, I'm sure you'd all agree.

"And last but not least, I hope that in the last 18 years I've done you proud."

Before the game started, Noble was brought onto the pitch and was cheered and clapped by 55,000 West Ham fans as 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' played over the tannoy.

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Noble looked visibly moved and began to tear up as he walked off the pitch to allow his team-mates to take centre stage.

And the waterworks didn't stop there as during the 16th minute of the game, Hammers supporters rose to their feet once again in appreciation for their club captain.

Noble made a whopping 548 appearances in claret and blue for West Ham, while he also spent short loan periods at Ipswich and Hull in 2006.

West Ham's captain also became known for his pinpoint penalty-taking, scoring 27 of his 32 taken in the Premier League.

He also notched 62 goals in all competitions for West Ham, but controversially NEVER made an England appearance.

The game itself was a brilliant one as Moyes' men, who were aggressive from the off, went 2-0 up through Jarrod Bowen in the first half.

But Jack Grealish's finish and a Vladimir Coufal own goal clawed back a point for City, as Riyad Mahrez had a late penalty saved.

West Ham can still seal a place in next season's Europa League, but they have to win, and hope Man Utd don't, on the final day of the season.

Despite the day being about himself, it didn't stop a suited and booted Noble from sweeping the dressing room one last time as a player.