French fans meet hero Sakho

West Ham United's

"He said he really likes it here at West Ham especially with the goals he is scoring. It was a very nice moment for my son too, to be able to speak to one of his favourite players. He is a very nice guy."

"He's fantastic and he's improving every day. On a physical level he was already very good, very strong which is why he has done so well in the Premier League so far. I think he'll continue to improve and get into the Senegal first eleven soon."

Sakho scored a terrific header against Burnley, his sixth of the season, as the Hammers won 3-1. Speaking about Sakho's remarkable transition to life in the Premier League.

"I think it's even a surprise for him. He had confidence in his skills and he knew he would perform well at some point but he was surprised at how quickly he started scoring. For us that have seen him play for Metz, he's a top goal scorer, it's not a surprise that he has had some success."

Michelon continued to describe his excitement at watching the Hammers in training: "It was a very exciting moment and a big privilege to watch a training session. It was very interesting to see the player in their daily training.

"It's interesting to compare how French teams train, in France every training session is open for fans to watch. In England it is more private so to watch training was a big honour. Now I understand a little better why the Premier League is the best league in the world."

Speaking more generally about his passion for West Ham, Michelon explained how he came to support the Claret and Blues.

"I discovered West Ham when they played Metz in the Intertoto cup a few years ago. I was so impressed with the fans. There were 3000 fans yet they made far more noise than the 20,000 Metz fans.

"I was really impressed by that. I thought then that it would be very interesting to follow that team. I think they have a similar team spirit to Metz, ever since I've been a big West Ham fan.

"I went to see West Ham for the first time in person four years ago and I fell completely in love with the team."

Following in the footsteps of his father, Mattias is also a huge West Ham fan too: "I am very pleased because Diafra Sakho is my favourite West Ham player. I also like Kevin Nolan, I'm a striker and when I score I do the chicken dance he does."

Looking ahead to today's game, Mattias is confident the Hammers can continue their impressive form: "it's always nice to attend games, especially abroad and at West Ham United. I'm hoping we can collect the three points."