Enner Valencia on his love of Colombian salsa music, South American food and why he wouldn't share a lift with the skipper!
As West Ham United continue the final season at the Boleyn Ground, we’ve asked the players for some memorable firsts and lasts from their careers and lives. Today, Enner Valencia goes under the spotlight…
FIRSTS
What was the first car you owned?
The first car that I bought was a Hyundai. I think it was called a Tucson IX or something like that.
What was the first album that you purchased?
I can’t remember the exact album, but it would have been a group that played salsa style music. It was probably one by the Colombian salsa group, Grupo Niche. That is the type of music I listened to when I was younger.
Which of your teammates would come first in a style competition?
It would have to be Alex Song, he is always well dressed. He has some brilliant outfit choices that he likes to pull out the wardrobe.
What is the first rule that you would change in football?
It’s a tough question! I think it would probably be the number of substitutes you can make during a game. Being able to make an extra change would help keep the team and players fresh to ensure you can stay at 100% for the 90 minutes.
What was your first position when you first started playing football?
When I first started out, I was usually playing out on the wing. Normally down the right to try to use my pace to take players on.
FIRSTS
What was the first car you owned?
The first car that I bought was a Hyundai. I think it was called a Tucson IX or something like that.
What was the first album that you purchased?
I can’t remember the exact album, but it would have been a group that played salsa style music. It was probably one by the Colombian salsa group, Grupo Niche. That is the type of music I listened to when I was younger.
Which of your teammates would come first in a style competition?
It would have to be Alex Song, he is always well dressed. He has some brilliant outfit choices that he likes to pull out the wardrobe.
What is the first rule that you would change in football?
It’s a tough question! I think it would probably be the number of substitutes you can make during a game. Being able to make an extra change would help keep the team and players fresh to ensure you can stay at 100% for the 90 minutes.
What was your first position when you first started playing football?
When I first started out, I was usually playing out on the wing. Normally down the right to try to use my pace to take players on.
LASTS
Could you describe the last goal that you scored?
The last goal that I scored was the one I got for Ecuador against Paraguay in the recent international break. It was a very quick move and my teammate shot from outside the area and hit the post. The ball bounced back to me and I took it down on my chest, and despite a last-ditch tackle from their defender, I managed to get my shot off with my left foot. Luckily for us, the ball went in.
What is the last film you saw at the cinema?
I can’t remember what the film would have been. My wife and I don’t go to the cinema very often here – maybe I should take her there more! We used to go more regularly, so it would have been at a cinema in Mexico, but I can’t remember the name of the film.
What is the last thing that you cooked?
I like cooking, in fact earlier this week, I cooked a Latin American dish called seco de pollo. It’s like a chicken stew with lots of vegetables that we often eaten with the whole family.
Which of your teammates would come last in a fashion contest?
It’s tricky. It would probably have to be Victor Moses. He wears some questionable clothes.
Who would be the last player you would want to get stuck in a lift with?
I reckon that would be Mark Noble. Being stuck in a lift with him would be a nightmare, because he often has some terrible wind.
Could you describe the last goal that you scored?
The last goal that I scored was the one I got for Ecuador against Paraguay in the recent international break. It was a very quick move and my teammate shot from outside the area and hit the post. The ball bounced back to me and I took it down on my chest, and despite a last-ditch tackle from their defender, I managed to get my shot off with my left foot. Luckily for us, the ball went in.
What is the last film you saw at the cinema?
I can’t remember what the film would have been. My wife and I don’t go to the cinema very often here – maybe I should take her there more! We used to go more regularly, so it would have been at a cinema in Mexico, but I can’t remember the name of the film.
What is the last thing that you cooked?
I like cooking, in fact earlier this week, I cooked a Latin American dish called seco de pollo. It’s like a chicken stew with lots of vegetables that we often eaten with the whole family.
Which of your teammates would come last in a fashion contest?
It’s tricky. It would probably have to be Victor Moses. He wears some questionable clothes.
Who would be the last player you would want to get stuck in a lift with?
I reckon that would be Mark Noble. Being stuck in a lift with him would be a nightmare, because he often has some terrible wind.