And he says that emotional fervour could be replicated in the stands if terracing was to be reintroduced.
Paolo has revealed this week that he has a sinus problem which has been affecting his form for much of this season, coupled with an Achilles injury that has exacerbated his problems.
The fact that he has only chosen to speak about it now in order to clarify the situation impresses Billy, never one himself to complain about being injured.
"I love watching him, especially on his own park," says Billy.
"At least he plays with a bit of passion and looks like he is enjoying it - that is right up my street.
"He is a bit of a matador and, although I have never met the fella, I love his talent - though I wouldn't have liked to play against him as he falls over a bit quick!"
Billy says that Paolo typifies the Hammers and adds: "The fans have always liked a certain type of player, one who entertains; they don't want to see the ball being lumped from back to front.
"At times there have been better players than others but they have always tried to play the same way, passing the ball, and that has not changed no matter who the manager has been or what players have been there."
Billy welcomes the rebuilding work being done at Upton Park but admits to wistfully reminiscing about the days of standing at football matches, explaining:
"All clubs have to get bigger stadia to compete and you have to move with the times.
"I am sadder than anyone that the old Chicken Run went but you have to move with the times and build stands for the 21st century. It is only right that they should build a bigger ground to bring more people in and get more revenue.
"The Taylor report after the Hillsborough disaster closed terraces. That was a sad day for everyone in football and if you spoke to those people they would say they never want to see standing ever again.
"But if it's done right, like in Germany, it would generate a bit of atmosphere which has gone in the last 10 or 20 years, because of all-seaters and fans arriving 10 minutes before the match rather than an hour before."