Toni Martinez says his dream will come true if he partners his ‘idol’ Chicharito in attack at Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
Injuries mean the young Spaniard and Mexican are both likely to be involved in the Emirates FA Cup fourth-round clash with the EFL League One leaders at the DW Stadium.
And the 20-year-old is excited by the prospect of playing alongside the striker he watched playing for Manchester United and Real Madrid as a schoolboy.
“I wish I could play alongside Chicharito because he is one of my idols. It would be a dream come true for me to play with him and, if I do, I’m going to try to do my best and I am sure the goals will come,” said Martinez.
“It’s unbelievable when I think about players like Chicharito, who I can remember watching at home on television when I was 12-years-old, and it was my dream to play like him, and now I could play alongside him. Now, if I get the opportunity to play with him, it would make that dream come true.”
I wish I could play alongside Chicharito because he is one of my idols
Toni Martinez
Martinez himself impressed in West Ham’s third-round replay win over another League One promotion-chaser, Shrewsbury Town, leading the line and assisting Reece Burke’s extra-time winner.
With Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll ruled out, the prolific youngster featured in both third-round ties against Shrewsbury and was named on the substitutes’ bench for Saturday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with AFC Bournemouth.
While he has sympathy for his injured teammates, Martinez knows one player’s misfortune is another’s gain.
“I feel sorry for the other players, as injuries are no good for us and I wish all the best for their recoveries, but their injuries bring me an opportunity to show what I can do and I’m going to try to do my best and impress the manager if I can.
“Injuries are part of the game and, of course, they are no good for anybody and I hope the boys are going to be back soon.”
Martinez scored against Newcastle United and Middlesbrough while on loan at Oxford United last season, and the forward is looking forward to featuring in the world’s most-famous knockout competition again.
“I can’t wait for the next Cup game. The FA Cup is very important to West Ham, so we have to win the game and get through.
“I like the FA Cup and I’m going to do something important again in the next game. I got two goals last season and an assist against Shrewsbury, so we will see what happens in this one.”
Having played in League One himself last season, Martinez knows an in-form Wigan will be a tough nut to crack.
The Latics have a strong squad and are unbeaten in 14 matches dating back to 18 November.
“I am not surprised with the level of the League One clubs like Shrewsbury, as I played in that division with Oxford last season, so I know they can play.
“One hundred per cent, the game on Saturday will not be easy. Wigan are top of the league and they will try to play a bit more even than Shrewsbury, but hopefully we can do better and get the win first time around this time.”