Diafra Sakho was delighted to score the winning goal against Swansea City on Saturday – in more ways than one.
First and foremost, he was thrilled to play his part in securing a vital three points for his team, sliding in at the far post to convert Arthur Masuaku’s pinpoint cross.
Secondly, the Senegal frontman was happy to send a valued colleague off with a nice leaving present after dedicating his goal to masseur Will Storey, who leaves the Hammers this week after spending nearly a decade with the Club over two spells.
“I’m just happy,” Sakho beamed. “I’m happy for the team to win the game, and it’s a very important moment for all the players to win before the international break.
“I worked with Will Storey for three years and he has looked after me with the massages. I’m sad that he is leaving the Club, but happy that I scored the goal for him. He does everything for me – stretching, massage – and every day when I come in he gives me a smile.
“If I could, I would keep him at the Club for a lot of years, and I want to thank him for all the support and help he has given me. Before I went on I told him I would score for him. I did, so I’m happy!”
Sakho will now head to international duty with Senegal with a spring in his step, hoping to earn his first caps for his country in nearly three years when they take on the Cape Verde Islands next week.
“The national team need my help, and I’m looking forward to showing the fans that I’m here and hopefully I can score one or two goals for them,” he added.
“I hope to score more goals for West Ham when I’m back as well!”
