West Ham United forward Crysencio Summerville takes on questions submitted by supporters, discussing ambitions on the pitch, goal celebrations and living in London…
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!
A few months in, how have you settled in at West Ham, with a new set of players? Lily Rose
“In the beginning, it’s always difficult to come into a new team, a new place, and also a new city, but I think the people here, they helped me feel at home straight away, and I’m grateful that I can now call it my home.
“I’m a person who can adjust very quickly and get along with a lot of players and people, so I didn’t need much time. When I came into this Club and team, I saw straight away the nice people they have here, and the group is very tight and together, so that helped me a lot.”
What was key to your decision to join West Ham, over other clubs? Tom O’Connell
“Obviously I spoke with the Club, and the plan they had for me was an exciting one, and the feeling I had when I heard about West Ham was special. I knew the stadium, and I saw the players who were also coming [to the Club]. Some of the results haven’t been what we were hoping for, but I’m confident there are really positive times ahead.”
What was the feeling like when you stepped out at London Stadium wearing Claret and Blue for the first time, against Celta Vigo in pre-season? Mackenzie Lee
“I was a bit nervous, but as soon as I touched the ball, I felt the excitement from the fans, so it was just a beautiful moment.”
What are your overall ambitions for your time at West Ham United? Adem
“I want to be very successful, and I want to win trophies. I want to be a big, big player for West Ham, and I want to leave as a legend.”
How does it feel to be one of just a handful of Dutch players to have represented West Ham United? Dave
“Yeah, it’s nice. I want to be remembered as one of the best Dutch players from West Ham!”
Who is your favourite Dutch player of all time? Cian McGrath
“There’s one for me, Clarence Seedorf. He’s a big legend for me and my home country, Suriname. I’ve never met him. He was the manager at AC Milan and is the only Dutch player who has won everything. We have to appreciate him more.”
How has each team you’ve played for and each move helped make you a better player? Caydjen
“I think every club is different, and I think it’s maybe on the coaches who made me play a certain way, something that has helped me in my career. For example, a coach from Leeds United wanted me to play as a number ten more, and our coach [Graham Potter] wants me to be more of a left winger and be the best one-on-one player, so I think I have learned a lot of things from different coaches.”
What would you pick out as one standout highlight from your career so far? Henry
“Winning the Championship Player of the Season award two times, from the EFL and the PFA.”
What is your favourite goal you have scored? Taha
“I think I have to go for one for Leeds last season, either the one away at Middlesbrough, or the one against Rotherham United at home, which was a Panenka penalty. My first West Ham goal, against Manchester United in October, was pretty good, too!”
Can you talk us through your celebration and why you do it? Evie
“I felt that people were sleeping on me [at Leeds United] because I thought it was my time last season, so my celebration came from that. I scored many goals, but people still didn’t appreciate it, and that’s why I did the celebration. I kept it because kids and people, they loved it, so now I’m just doing it.”
What are some of the main exercises or drills you work on in the gym? Joe Nganje
“I do a lot of strength and sometimes gym, but not a lot because I’m very explosive and a quick player, so I focus more on footwork and agility. Maybe once a week I’ll do a full gym session, such as push and bench press.”
What would your advice be for smaller footballers playing against taller and stronger players? Kevin
“Stay out of duels, be smarter and be two steps ahead of the player. So, for example, if someone plays you the ball, your touch needs to be in the space to avoid duels.”
Do you have a favourite pair of shoes? Milosz
“I would say Louis Vuitton for trainers, and for boots, it would be the ones I play in now, which are Nike Mercurial Superfly Sixes.”
How much are you enjoying living in London? Jose Magana Valle
“A lot. There’s everything in London, such as concerts, a big city, tourists and great restaurants. It’s a great place to live.”
