Alphonse Areola is used to silverware.
The goalkeeper has made a career of winning competitions, lifting trophies and adding medals to his extensive collection.
The 30-year-old has already won four league titles, claimed across Ligue 1 and La Liga, as well as eight domestic trophies between his time with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Throw in a World Cup medal, secured in 2018 with France, and the shot-stopper is one of the most acclaimed active players in Europe.
One thing alluded Areola though. Or, at least, it had up until June 2023.
Areola had never lifted a European trophy with a club before. It was an honour the shot-stopper was becoming increasingly desperate to add. A wrong he was eager to rectify. A missing piece in his career puzzle.
That dream became a reality in Prague when West Ham United won the UEFA Europa Conference League. Areola’s own efforts, not just in the final but throughout the whole competition, make that medal one of his most special ever earned.
Not that Areola is winding down. On the contrary, success on the international stage with the Hammers is only encouraging the No23 in the hunt for even more success.
It has been a strong start to the season for the Irons, one that has already seen the team secure a place in the UEFA Europa League knock-out rounds in 2024, challenge the Premier League’s very top sides, and reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
That success and drive, according to Areola, comes down to a bond in the team that cannot be broken nor beaten. A spirit that pushes the entire squad to be even better, get the big results, and claim even more glory for themselves and the Club.
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"We have started the season very well," Areola said. "We’ve done really well in Europe and in the Premier League as well. We’ve got 27 points so far and I think, this season, we’ve done really well after winning the UEFA Europa Conference League final last season.
"You have to compete every single day, both on the pitch and on the training ground. I’ve always said that, as a player, you can only give the best you can. The most important thing is always the team and the results we can get.
"You saw it last season when we won the European trophy, and just how happy the how squad was. Everyone was happy to be involved, in that regard, and it shows just how important the team spirit is."
For the last three seasons, Areola has more than played his role in the Club's growth, particularly in European competitions. Fighting for silverware is where the goalkeeper wants to be. There is still space to fill in his already packed trophy cabinet.
And while the Hammers welcome Manchester United on Saturday on the back of a frustrating defeat, the goalkeeper has every confidence the team can once again bounce back.
"I’ve seen exactly what the Club told me when I joined, every single day I come in, for the last three years," he added. "West Ham has really grown up and the reputation of the Club in Europe is huge. It’s great to be part of and it’s wonderful to be part of the history of the Club.
"I don’t like to find excuses after defeats. Sometimes, you just have bad days as competitors. We moved forward really well from the one against Fulham with the wins over Freiburg and Wolverhampton Wanderers. We need to do the same against Manchester United."
