West Ham left back Emerson Palmieri reflected on the opportunities he had during the summer transfer window and the difficulty on not going to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
The 28-year-old Italian-Brazilian ended a four-year spell with Chelsea in the summer, joining the Hammers in a deal worth around €15.4m. Emerson was linked with a return to Serie A in the summer as various media reports suggested that clubs like Lazio were seemingly keen on a move, but he stayed in England and signed a four-year deal with West Ham.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Emerson first discussed how life is going with West Ham.
“It’s going well. The team is good, we certainly didn’t start well in the Premier League but now we are starting to win and score important points.”
He commented on how it felt to find fellow Italians Angelo Ogbonna and Gianluca Scamacca at the club.
“They make me feel at home. We have known each other for a long time thanks to the national team and here with Angelo and Gianluca we’re practically always together.
“Thanks to them it was easier for me to adapt. They allowed me to get to know the team, to understand better how it works. It is always a pleasure to be together with other Italians.”
The 28-year-old touched on his relationship with Lucas Paqueta.
“He is a friend of mine and I want to help him adapt to the Premier League, both on and off the pitch. He did the same with me last year at Lyon, now it’s my turn. For me it’s a natural thing because I’m giving a hand to a friend.”
Emerson confirmed that he was not close to returning to Serie A this summer.
“No, I’ve never received any offers from Serie A. Only Premier League teams were interested in me and I chose West Ham. And I am very happy.”
He gave his thoughts on the qualities of the Premier League.
“Yes. Every game is difficult, tough and intense and there are so many quality teams. It’s the league I think all players would like to play in sooner or later.
“Now it’s my turn. I already did it with Chelsea, but it’s always nice to play against the best.”
He spoke about his expectations at the club.
“I want to play as much as possible also to be always in the national team, which is my goal. Here at West Ham I have a long contract. I want to help the team and enjoy myself.”
The 28-year-old looked ahead to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
“I remember how hard it was to watch on TV four years ago. I think it will be even harder this time, because we are out of the World Cup for the second time in a row. I don’t think I will be able to watch it. And if I do, it won’t be with the usual interest.”
Finally, Emerson discussed how things can be resolved with the national team.
“We have a good team, made up of great players and excellent youngsters. We just have to be patient and things will get back to normal.”
Glad old lady stayed away from him – no end product at all
still love how italy take talent from other na ti ons
Mohammed don’t make it sound like Italy are the only country that does it. It’s not like we are France or something.
Mohammed makes italy sound like France.