Areola: “We felt fans energy”

Alphonse Areola more than played his part in our Euro Conference victory appearing in every game as West Ham stormed our way to success in Prague.

But he reckons the spur to their success on the night were the fans who were in amazing voice both before and during the game – never mind afterwards.

There were those of course who failed to behave themselves but Areola was carried along with the rest of the squad by the thousands who travelled to Prague with and without tickets.

Areola, who has won five League titles, two national cups and five other trophies across spells at Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, and a FIFA World Cup winner’s medal with France in 2018, led the celebrations as the memorable win was celebrated in east London.

We felt fans energy

He said: “It feels good to win another trophy, but the most important thing is the team and the Club

“It helped us and we are happy to bring the trophy back because the fans deserve it.”

Whether using his experience to marshal a group of Academy graduates away to FCSB or diving heroically to preserve a win in RSC Anderlecht, the stopper was rightly named in UEFA’s UECL Team of the Season following a string of impeccable showings across the tournament.

His calmness was vital in both the semi-final and final too. The goalkeeper was rightly aware of how historic this win was for the Club.

He added: “These are moments that will never be forgotten. I’ve been privileged to have won many things, and this is another trophy, it will have pride of place at West Ham’s home. We will savour this moment with our families.

“We have made history; we are part of this Club’s history. We’re delighted and so proud to be a part of West Ham’s history.

“When we saw the families all there, savouring the trophy and the victory, that’s what means the most.”