Alphonse Areola the mentality to win trophies.
The goalkeeper’s trophy cabinet already contained cutlery from 4 Ligue 1 wins, one in La Liga, 3 Champions Trophies, two French Cups and a Spanish Super Cup before last season with West Ham United. Not to mention the small matter of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Frenchman was a major influence on the Hammers’ side last season as the team ended the club’s 43-year wait to lift a big piece of silver, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League in Prague in June.
The trophy-winning team of heroes was commemorated at a Road To Victory celebration dinner held in their honor on Thursday night, and Areola was thrilled to spend time reminiscing about the historic victory.
“It’s smart not to forget the things we did. It’s everything we’ve been doing and it will be in West Ham United history,” he told West Ham TV.
“When the final whistle blew in Prague, the first thought that came to mind, Array, ‘the job is done!’It’s another trophy for me and a trophy for all the guys as well. I’m already looking for a place for medal and trophy on my shelf at home.
“It was a campaign. In the UEFA Europa League last season, we had the chance to go through to the final and we didn’t. This year we did our homework and proved to Europe that West Ham United are champions!
Areola was personally honoured on the occasion at the InterContinental London – The O2, with his great save to prevent Fábio Silva’s header from close range in the organisation-wide victory over RSC Anderlecht, dubbed the Tournament Save.
“Sometimes I look at my backups and even wonder how I did it,” he continued. “But it’s part of my job, and it’s everything I paint every day at Rush Green.
“I have to have the confidence to succeed and I know my teammates accept that too. “
While the team and coach David Moyes welcomed the opportunity to discuss the remarkable victory with the assembled fans, the hard work for the 2023/24 season is underway.
With five pre-season matches to date and 3 wins, the Irons travel to Germany to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga in a definitive control of the summer calendar, before the first Premier League match at AFC Bournemouth next Saturday.
“Pre-season has been smart so far. Our bodies are preparing for the new season and we are ahead of our first Premier League match at Bournemouth.
“Of course, we also have Bayer Leverkusen in our last pre-season game. They had a wonderful crusade in the Europa League last season, so we will have to play as we do to prepare for the Premier League. “
After having worn the number thirteen for more than two seasons, Areola will wear the number 23 shirt for the 2023/24 campaign, a resolution that corresponds to the goalkeeper with the same number he wears in the French national team.
The 30-year-old explained that his love for one of the greatest sportsmen of all time influenced his decision.
“I’m a huge fan of Michael Jordan,” Areola added. I have all his shoes and The Last Dance is one of the most productive things I’ve ever seen. I also watched Space Jam when I was a kid, so there are a lot of memories of Michael Jordan.
“I also have the same number in the France national team and, when I wore the number 23 for the first time, I didn’t need to have a general goalkeeper shirt. I looked for anything a little different and now I also have the opportunity to have the No. 23 here in West Ham.
“Michael Jordan is on another planet in terms of wins, but we can still do something smart this season at West Ham. “
Site designed and built through Other Media, powered by Clubcast
© 1895-2023 West Ham United Football Club