West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka takes on questions submitted by supporters, discussing squad numbers, football memories and his time at the Club so far…
Is there something you’d like to ask one of our Hammers? Click HERE to submit a question, and keep an eye out for an answer in West Ham United's Official Programme and on whufc.com later this season!
Why is 29 a special number to you? Putera Amil
“It was the first squad number that was ever given to me and a number that kickstarted my career. I was given it at Crystal Palace and have decided to retain that number throughout my career so far.”
Who was your footballing idol growing up? Euan Stone
“I would say my true idol growing up was my brother, rather than a footballer. I used to follow in his footsteps growing up and just wanted to be him. I played football with him every day, and I’ve got a lot to thank him for.”
What is your favourite football memory? Evan
“I would say my professional debut. I remember it well, even the day before, how nervous I was leading up to the game. It was against Tottenham at Selhurst Park in February 2018, and I remember starting the game and playing well.”
Who has been the toughest opponent you have faced and why? Ronan O’Connor
“For me, I would say Eden Hazard. He’s the type of player that can go both ways, and everyone knows what he is capable of. It was a tough afternoon for me!”
Would you agree that tackling is one of your biggest strengths, and how did you get so good at it? What would your tips be to improve? Kayne
“I would say that it is. How did I become so good at it? I have no clue. I’ve always been good at tackling, and I think myself and others started to notice it more as I got older. That’s when I started taking it quite seriously. I think it comes with focus and timing really to make the perfect tackle. You’ve got to make sure you time your challenges correctly.”
What persuaded you the most to join West Ham United? Luke McGovern-Paul
“Firstly, I would start with the location and being back home, but also the project I could see that was being built up around the team. The fanbase and team itself also played a part.”
What’s it been like being back in London? Bailey Howard
“It feels really good. It didn’t really kick in until I signed, but all of my friends and family are happy, and I’m happy to be here. It gives you a lot of comfort as a footballer when you’re surrounded by your friends and family because I do it for them, so for them to be able to come and support me at games quite often helps me knowing that they’re watching.”
What have you enjoyed the most about being at West Ham so far? Johnny Sandbrook
“Making London Stadium our home. It’s a beautiful stadium. Before I joined, I had played here but was on the other end, so to experience it on this end is very special and has been an incredible feeling.”
What stadium has the best atmosphere outside of England? Hakan
“I would say two - Galatasaray’s Rams Park and Barcelona’s Camp Nou. The atmosphere at Galatasaray is non-stop, and the fans make it a very hostile environment for visiting teams.”
What’s your favourite song to listen to on matchday? Ben Collison
“I don’t really have a favourite song to listen to, and I just rely on my shuffle. It’s never let me down.”
Where did the nickname ‘Spider’ come from? Angus Robertson
“It started at [Crystal] Palace. When I used to go and train with the first team, they used to call me long legs, and it then changed to Spider. It was Patrick van Aanholt who gave me it, and it’s just spiralled on since then.”
What are your personal and team objectives during your time at West Ham? Raymond Chapotera
“I would say that the team objective would be to continue to finish as high as possible in the Premier League table, and winning a trophy from the other cups would be nice. My personal aim is to just help the team as much as I can and always give my all no matter what.”
