Overwhelmed Kurt Zouma forgot his problems of the season and when he saw the thousands of fans turn out on the streets of east London on Thursday.
It was a remarkable but not unexpected reaction from the fanbase, who have had no chance since 1965 to celebrate a European success.
And Zouma who has suffered two or three injuries during the campaign, but was full of praise for the Claret and Blue Army. The fans remained behind their side during testing times in the 2022/23 season, as a result gained the ultimate reward in Prague on Wednesday evening.
He said: “There are no words to describe how we feel right now. You can see how happy the fans are, how happy we are, it’s just time to celebrate!
“We have to thank the fans because they have always behind us, supporting us through every adversity. Seeing them happy like this – that’s what we play for.”
Overwhelmed Zouma
The Hammers had to dig deep to lift their first piece of major silverware in 43 years. They overcame the disappointment of Giacomo Bonaventura’s swift equaliser following Saïd Benrahma’s opener to score a late, late winner.
Jarrod Bowen was the man who clinched victory in the final minute of the regulation 90, and Zouma felt the triumph was testament to the team’s mentality.
Overwhelmed by team mentality
Zouma explained: “In a final everything is about details. You have to be strong mentally in these games and I think that’s how we were. The fans helped us as well, and scoring in the 90th minute, the feeling was even better.
“The manager deserves it. He’s worked hard and built a strong team.
“You can see on the pitch we’re like a family all fighting for each other and it’s deserved for everybody.
“Everybody gave their all and we just want to celebrate.”
By Hughie Southon