Hello,
I would like to start off by saying a massive thank you to all the fans who have made my time at West Ham United so exciting so far, I hope, as I’m sure you do to, that this is just the start of something special.
Growing up in south Senegal, I wanted to be a carpenter, I never thought I could play football for a living, never mind in the Premier League!
Last Sunday was obviously disappointing for everyone, despite the fact that we played very well and we deserved to win. Of course, it was nice to score, its felt like a long time since my last goal against Bristol City.
I am really looking forward to our game on Saturday against Crystal Palace, I look forward to every game but particularly at home, playing in front of our fans.
The game against Crystal Palace away at the start of the season was my first game for the club so it was special for me, we won as well which makes it better.
Every derby is special for the fans, and for the players also. I’m quickly learning how important London derbies are, and after Palace we’ve got two more against Chelsea and Arsenal.
They are all big matches, but honestly, I never get fazed by any match. I am relaxed before a match, I have a bath before every game, and it’s just a habit I started a while ago. Some of the lads were a bit surprised at first but they’ve got used to it now.
The Chelsea game next week is huge for everyone. A Wednesday evening game under the lights at the Boleyn Ground is something to look forward to. But, we will only focus on the Chelsea after Crystal Palace.
Away from the pitch, everything has changed since moving to West Ham, my life is completely different. It’s a new country and new culture, driving on the other side of the road, everything is different, but I am really enjoying it.
Finally, I’d like to finish by mentioning the Metz Academy in Dakar, which is very special to me. It’s where I was spotted by European scouts when I played there for about six to eight months before joining Metz in France. The current players there were asked which player they wanted to rename a dormitory after and they chose me, so it was a big honour for me.
See you on Saturday!
Diafra