Former West Ham United captain Mark Noble has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

The 35-year-old, who retired from playing earlier this year after a magnificent 18-year first-team career in Claret and Blue and will take up his new role at the Club as Sporting Director in January, was presented with the prestigious title at a special ceremony at London's Guildhall, in a tradition dating back almost 800 years.

Noble was nominated for the City's award by Caroline Haines, Common Councilman and Master Educator, and her husband Gordon Haines, Past Alderman and Past Master Horner and Painter Stainer. Two nominations for the Freedom are needed from individuals who are Liverymen of the City of London.

The award, which was agreed by the City Corporation's elected Court of Common Council, has been made in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport and community in London.

Noble said: “I am extremely proud to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London. It is a wonderful honour for myself and my family, and a real privilege to follow so many great figures and names in history.

“I feel very fortunate to have been born and grown up in London – a city I consider to be the greatest in the world – and to have spent my entire professional football career with West Ham United, a club in the heart of London.

“It is such an honour to be recognised by my home city and it was a fantastic experience to visit the Guildhall with my wife Carly and our children for the ceremony, something very special that will stay in our family name forever."