Julien Faubert has thanked the West Ham United fans for their support following the death of his mother last week.
The French full-back played against Blackburn Rovers in the 0-0 draw on Saturday despite his mother passing away 48 hours earlier. He said it had been a difficult time for him and his family and wanted to say 'thank-you' for all the messages of support that have been sent in.
"I am so pleased to have received these messages from our supporters. I can't tell you what it means to me," Faubert said of the condolences sent to the club as well as to fan websites.
"It is so nice. It just shows that the fans don't only get behind the players when we are playing on the pitch. Also when we have difficulties in our own lives, they make an effort to send in a message. This has helped me a lot, especially at this time.
"This is why I love England and West Ham so much. It is not just the team but everyone else behind the players, it is very special."
Faubert wore a black armband on Saturday in tribute to his mother, who had been ill with a brain tumour. He revealed there was no way he was going to miss playing, as it would have been something his mum would have wanted him to do.
"I definitely wanted to play. There was no question for me. This is what I wanted to do for my mum and for West Ham.
"She would have been saying, 'whatever happens, I want you to play'. She would say 'you have to go on, go forward with your life and with your football - you have a job to do and a son of your own to look after'.
"I am a professional footballer with a duty to West Ham. It was hard but I didn't want to let West Ham down either."
Faubert described his mother as a driving force for him as he grew up and followed his dreams of becoming a footballer.
"My mother was an inspiration. She was the one there for me when I was growing up, I lived with her all the time and she supported me in every way, whether it was buying me boots or driving me to training or games.
"I was born in a poor area of Le Havre, so it was difficult and she made a lot of sacrifices for me. I know she is happy and proud of me and I have good memories.
"It's a difficult time for me and my family, but I have my wife and son helping me through this as well as the fans and everyone here at West Ham. This will help me to go forward."