Guille Franco has said he is living a dream at West Ham United and cannot wait to run out in front of the fans again next weekend against Manchester United.
The striker has already won the hearts of the Boleyn Ground faithful with his all-action displays in the Hammers attack. He scored his third goal in six starts for the club in last Saturday's 5-3 defeat of Burnley and left the field on the hour to a huge ovation. With the fans singing his name, the departing Franco returned the acclaim by turning to clap all four corners of the stadium.
"The truth is I am very happy," he said. "West Ham have fantastic supporters and of course I am happy to be playing and doing a good job so soon after arriving here. The fact they are singing my name is really great and I am glad I could give them a goal. They have been fantastic to me. I say to them thank you very much. That is all I can say as I think they know what it means to me to be here."
Franco played against Manchester United when Villarreal went to Old Trafford for a UEFA Champions League encounter in September last year and earned a fine goalless draw. A lone striker who hit the post in a close contest, he was not overawed then - he regularly plays in front of 100,000 fans when FIFA World Cup finalists Mexico play at the Azteca Stadium - and will not be this weekend.
"Manchester United is a big game, a good test for us. I have played at Old Trafford and I know what to expect. They are a strong team, but I think it is a good match for us to play. We will have no fear and will approach it with the right attitude. They are a strong team but we have to believe we can win. I know Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick last weekend and we will have to watch him."
The 33-year-old added: "I love life my here in London. It is a dream for me, it is very special for me to be here. I am enjoying it so much and want to bring the team and the fans more points. We want to continue in this way and get more wins."