Marko Arnautovic has thanked ‘every single West Ham fan’ after being crowned Hammer of the Year for the first time.
The Austrian attacker continued his outstanding debut season in Claret and Blue by winning the supporters’ vote for their player of the season, which was announced at Wednesday’s 2018 Player Awards, brought to you by Betway in aid of the Academy, at the Intercontinental London – The O2.
Speaking to West Ham TV amidst loud and widespread acclaim from his teammates – Pablo Zabaleta thanked Arnautovic for letting the players attend ‘his party’ – the No7 was quick to pay tribute to tens of thousands of supporters who now sing his name every matchday.
“I want to thank every single fan who supports West Ham for this award,” he said, before telling his West Ham teammates to keep up their cheering! “It means a lot to me. It was hard for me at the beginning of the season but now it's going well and I want to do my job for many years to come. We are not finished yet.
“This award that I have received, I am very happy and very proud. I want to keep doing my job for this Club because I came here to do my job and everybody has seen what I can do and that I'm very happy to be here and I want to keep doing it.
“I try to do my best. The gaffer gave me some advice which was to run hard and do my best and I did it. All the players helped me. I love them and they love me – you can hear this!”
Arnautovic has formed a close bond with the Claret and Blue Army following his Club-record move from Stoke City last summer, overcoming a difficult start to plunder ten Premier League goals and impress all with his work-rate, commitment and passion for the cause.
With four top-flight matches left to play, starting with Sunday’s visit of champions Manchester City, the recently-turned 29-year-old is looking to repay the fans’ support with another important goal or two at London Stadium
“The best moment so far? Of course, every time I score a goal is a good moment for me, but to receive these awards is the best moment so far for me.
“I'll do my best in the last four games, I'll give everything and then we're going to go on holiday and come back and do better next season.
“Thank you all for this and I love you all!”