Hammers hero Edimilson Fernandes says the London Stadium roar gave him ‘goosebumps’ after his unforgettable EFL Cup winner.
The rising 20-years-old star described how important the Claret and Blue Army’s vociferous support has been in inspiring West Ham United to vital victories over Sunderland and Chelsea.
On Wednesday, he heard the loudest roar yet when he curled home the winning goal in the 2-1 EFL Cup fourth-round victory over the Blues.
He explained: “The stadium is magnificent, I really enjoy playing there, as do all the players. When you play in-front of 57,000 fans it gives you goosebumps, it’s an amazing feeling and it helps you to play to your best.
“It is a brilliant Stadium and to play in front of 57,000 fans who push you forward is an unbelievable feeling.”
Reflecting on his maiden goal in English football, the Switzerland U21 international said he was delighted to get off the mark against a club he watched from afar while growing up in the city of Sion.
Speaking at a half-term soccer school at the Club's Foundation Beckton base, he said: “When I was younger, I watched a lot of Chelsea matches. They are one of the best teams in England so there’s nothing better than scoring against them, it was a dream come true!
“I didn’t expect my time at West Ham to start so well, but at the moment it is going really, really well.”
Having signed for the Hammers in late August, Fernandes was the tenth of eleven new signings during a busy summer.
After impressing in games against Accrington Stanley, Southampton and Crystal Palace, Fernandes excelled in his full home Premier League debut against Sunderland, another hugely memorable moment.
He reflected: “Playing in our magnificent stadium is something I’ll never forget, and to win as well was something very special.
“I wasn’t expecting to make my full debut so quickly, but I am delighted that I did. It was a very special moment for me, and also a very important game for the team.”
Having hit the ground running in east London since joining from FC Sion in August, particularly playing in more unfamiliar wing-back positions, the midfielder by trade has seemingly taken to the Premier League like a duck to water.
Now, looking ahead to Sunday’s enticing encounter away at Everton – a club his cousin Manuel played for a decade ago –Fernandes said the Hammers are determined to make it four victories on the trot.
“We are all delighted to have won three games in a row, the confidence and the atmosphere (among the squad) is good,” he confirmed.
“We have to make sure we keep working hard every day in training and keep at this level. When you have confidence, it helps you win matches so it is very important.
“Everton are a very big club, so it will be a difficult game. They are strong all over the pitch, but we also have good players.”