Luis Guilherme’s Premier League debut for West Ham United is a moment he will never forget, and one that was made easier by the support of his teammates.
The young Brazilian made his debut for the Hammers when he came off the bench in the 86th minute at London Stadium against Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Teenager Guilherme, a summer arrival from Palmeiras, replaced Mohammed Kudus for the landmark moment in his career, as Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen, Kudus and Lucas Paquetá found the net to earn Julen Lopetegui his first home league win as Head Coach.
“I’m delighted to have made my debut,” the technically gifted South American said. “It’s a dream come true to have played in the Premier League at 18 years old. I have to thank God and my family for the opportunity to have fulfilled my dream. Now it’s about taking things step by step, and by continuing the hard work I’ve been putting in, there will be plenty of more good things to come.”
Guilherme says the Hammers’ Brazilian contingent, including the likes of Emerson and Paquetá, are behind his seamless introduction into life in east London.
He has had to bide his time since his arrival from Palmeiras, and when his opportunity came knocking, he grasped it with both hands and produced an impressive late cameo off the bench.
“Lucas [Paquetá] and Emi [Emerson] have given me a lot,” Guilherme confirmed. “They are great players, and I’m proud to say they’re good friends too. They’ve helped me so much since I arrived, and I’ve had the pleasure to have gotten to know them quite well. I thank them for their support, and hopefully, bit by bit, I can give back to the team.”
