David Di Michele has thanked the West Ham United fans for getting behind him on his first appearance at the Boleyn Ground and inspiring him to a debut double.
The Italy striker, who is on a year-long loan from Torino with a view to a possible permanent transfer, had an afternoon to remember on Saturday as he scored the first two goals in a 3-1 win against Newcastle United and then made the third for Matthew Etherington. "It was a great occasion," he said. "It was a very positive experience. I didn't expect to start in such a nice way in front of the home crowd. I am so happy to have scored two goals and that we won.
"For me, it was an atmosphere that I am not used to. It was unbelievable and the fans helped me to focus. It made me determined to do my best because I could tell that even if you make a mistake they are not on your back. That is such a big help, especially when you are a forward because it gives you the confidence to try things."
Di Michele, who also got an assist for Mark Noble on his first appearance away to West Bromwich Albion last week, admitted he should perhaps have been celebrating a hat-trick. "I probably could have had three goals. I missed the shot in the second half with my left. I should have been a bit more accurate with that and I would then have got the match ball but it was not to be. Maybe next time!"
The 32-year-old's performance evoked memories of other flair players to have led the home attack such as a previous wearer of the No32 shirt in Carlos Tevez and, further back, another Italian in Paolo Di Canio. He is playing down any link though. "I am just David Di Michele. Paolo Di Canio was a great, great player for West Ham and he has to be respected for what he did for this club. My hope is to do well and to make a name for myself at such a big club. I will give my all to do this."
Helping him to achieve that aim will be his new manager Gianfranco Zola, and Di Michele acknowledges that the signs are good for the future. "There is an immediate understanding with the manager because we come from the same football culture. This is a new adventure for the manager and for all of us. We are all united to go forward and do our best for him because he is a great person."