West Ham United fans got their first glimpse of new signing Joao Mario this afternoon.
The Portuguese midfielder joined the Hammers earlier this week on a loan deal from Inter Milan until the end of the season.
Some supporters may have felt that the 25-year-old would be eased into today’s FA Cup fourth-round match against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.
However, it was not a debut to remember for Mario as the team suffered a surprise 2-0 loss to the League One leaders.
Not only did David Moyes’s side lose the game, they are facing a spell without Pedro Obiang after he was stretchered off with an injury, while Arthur Masuaku is facing a ban after getting sent off for spitting at an opponent.
Mario was introduced at the start of the second half, replacing Pablo Zabaleta, but the midfielder was unable to help the team get back into the game.
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The overwhelming reaction to Mario’s debut from West Ham fans was one of sympathy for the new player.