St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado has nothing but love for one of the best to ever play the game. Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals' Nolan Arenado salutes Albert Pujols: 'One of the greatest to ever play this game'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 5/8/21

The Los Angeles Angels made the shocking decision to release veteran first baseman Albert Pujols earlier this week.

Several former players came to the defense of Pujols, including Boston Red Sox legends David Ortiz and Pedro Martinez, who called out L.A. for its "shameful" release of the future Hall of Famer.

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado didn't slam the Angels, but instead took the time to salute Pujols with his pregame comments on Friday.

Nolan Arenado had a special message for Albert Pujols:

"I love you, man. You're one of the greatest to ever play this game. I hope you get to go out the right way. ... I hope you hear this one day because you're my favorite player." pic.twitter.com/i0FDclD8zy
— ESPN (@espn) May 8, 2021

Pujols is hoping to land another job this season, but it's unclear if any teams are interested in the 41-year-old. White Sox manager Tony La Russa already said there's "no fit" for Pujols in Chicago, and a reunion with the Cardinals seems unlikely with Paul Goldschmidt commanding first base.

However, Cards veteran catcher Yadier Molina appears open to a reunion with his former teammate, who spent the first 11 years of his career in St. Louis. With Molina and Arenado showing support for Pujols, his return to The Lou shouldn't be entirely ruled out.

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