Enner Valencia’s only knowledge of West Ham United before he arrived here was the movie Green Street.“As soon as I arrived I was told that all that was in the old days and it has all changed now.
“Also, here in England, fans are respectful whereas, in South America, if you lose a match you can’t even go out in the street.
“Here, after we lost the opening game people stayed in the stadium and showed their support. That’s something I really liked.
“When I was playing for my previous club Emelec, I played in the derby one time — the Clasico — and our main rivals Barcelona were top of the league.
“We had to beat them in order to move on to the same points but we couldn’t get the win. It was very difficult to get everyone out of the stadium.”
Valencia revealed that his early life was a long way from the high earning position he now finds himself in.
He said:“I come from a very poor background. I had to work with my dad on the farm milking cows, then sell milk and stuff to buy my first boots.
“I’m extremely happy, very thankful to be here and am trying to enjoy every minute.”
Valencia will be at Old Trafford tomorrow, when the Hammers take on Manchester United immediately after the Reds 5-3 mauling at Leicester.
Valencia said: “I watched the game live. It was exactly what I was expecting and it is what I like about this league — anyone can beat anyone.
“Everyone loves to play against United and, if you get the chance, you would love to beat them.”