Diafra Sakho has been a West Ham United player for two years and has become a huge fan of Mark Noble in that time.
The Senegal striker could hardly speak a word of English on his arrival from French club Metz in summer 2014, but the captain quickly made him feel welcome in east London.
Now a fluent English speaker and a fully-fledged member of the Hammers squad, Sakho paid tribute to his captain ahead of Noble’s Testimonial match at the Boleyn Ground.
“Mark Noble is West Ham’s son, and he’s an idol here,” said the No15, who has recently returned from injury and is expected to play in the Easter Monday showcase.
“People today like players to have emotion when playing for your team, and that’s what Mark has. Today Mark Noble is a very good Hammers son.
“Every player who comes to West Ham needs to respect Mark Noble. He is a very good guy. He doesn’t always talk so much in the dressing room – he only talks to you when he needs to.
“Mark is here for every player – for help, on the pitch or in the dressing room. I’m very happy when I came to West Ham as Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan were the same to me – very good guys.
“I hope the fans come in on Monday to show Mark how much we love him.
“Today, I’m so happy that I speak some English. When I signed, Mark helped me with everything, and asked me ‘Do you need this?’ or ‘Do you need this?’”
While he has been a West Ham player for over a decade, Sakho says Noble is far from finished, adding that he expects the captain to be playing another ten years’ time.
“I hope that he plays until he’s 36 or 38 like Ryan Giggs. He’s West Ham’s Ryan Giggs!” the forward smiled.
“Mark – enjoy your day! After ten years, you deserve it.”
The Senegal striker could hardly speak a word of English on his arrival from French club Metz in summer 2014, but the captain quickly made him feel welcome in east London.
Now a fluent English speaker and a fully-fledged member of the Hammers squad, Sakho paid tribute to his captain ahead of Noble’s Testimonial match at the Boleyn Ground.
“Mark Noble is West Ham’s son, and he’s an idol here,” said the No15, who has recently returned from injury and is expected to play in the Easter Monday showcase.
“People today like players to have emotion when playing for your team, and that’s what Mark has. Today Mark Noble is a very good Hammers son.
“Every player who comes to West Ham needs to respect Mark Noble. He is a very good guy. He doesn’t always talk so much in the dressing room – he only talks to you when he needs to.
“Mark is here for every player – for help, on the pitch or in the dressing room. I’m very happy when I came to West Ham as Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan were the same to me – very good guys.
“I hope the fans come in on Monday to show Mark how much we love him.
“Today, I’m so happy that I speak some English. When I signed, Mark helped me with everything, and asked me ‘Do you need this?’ or ‘Do you need this?’”
While he has been a West Ham player for over a decade, Sakho says Noble is far from finished, adding that he expects the captain to be playing another ten years’ time.
“I hope that he plays until he’s 36 or 38 like Ryan Giggs. He’s West Ham’s Ryan Giggs!” the forward smiled.
“Mark – enjoy your day! After ten years, you deserve it.”