Angelo Ogbonna says West Ham United’s ‘incomparable’ fans will inspire him to start the new Premier League season strongly.
The Italy international celebrated his return to action after undergoing successful knee surgery by signing a new long-term contract with the Club last week.
Now, as Ogbonna and the Hammers squad prepare to return for pre-season training, the No21 is already looking forward to running out in front of the Claret and Blue Army to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday 12 August.
“The fans are really important for us,” confirmed the centre-half, who assumed hero status after scoring a memorable last-gasp FA Cup winner against Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground in February 2016. “I cannot compare our fans with other fans because we are West Ham, we are more than a club and we are a family.
“For us, it’s important that we have people behind us. It makes things much better for us.”
I cannot compare our fans with other fans because we are West Ham, we are more than a club and we are a family
Angelo Ogbonna
Ogbonna had an operation to rectify a long-standing knee issue in January, before returning for the final-day win at Burnley.
Having played just one Premier League game in six months, the 29-year-old is understandably excited at the prospect of returning to action against Jose Mourinho’s side.
The former Juventus star has faced the Red Devils seven times since his arrival in east London in summer 2015, most notably when he started the unforgettable 3-2 victory in the final game at the Boleyn Ground in May last year.
However, Ogbonna and the Hammers have not tasted success in any of the other six meetings – a record he is determined to improve next month.
“I’m very excited for the start of the season,” continued the Cassino-born star, who has won 21 and lost just 13 of the 48 Premier League matches he has played in Claret and Blue. “I cannot wait for the Manchester United game, not just me but also our whole team.
“Everyone wants to show themselves but we have to be focused and prepare for that game by working hard in pre-season.”
Despite missing four months through injury, Ogbonna still totalled 26 appearances in Claret and Blue last season, including 20 Premier League starts.
The two-time Serie A winner is one of a stable of experienced international centre-halves at the Club, including Euro 2016 champion Jose Fonte, long-serving James Collins and Winston Reid.
While some players may have been perturbed by the fierce competition for places in Slaven Bilic’s team, Ogbonna appreciates from personal experience that big clubs need big squads to be able to compete at the highest level.
“I think without competition, everything is boring!” confirmed the defender, who has kept 13 clean sheets in 48 Premier League appearances. “For my ambition, for my position and career, it’s better to be around lots of people, lots of experience and to do really good in my work.”