Reo-Coker supports Hammers to realize his European dream

Nigel Reo-Coker believes that West Ham United is the perfect place to continue to build a regular challenge for European football.

The former Hammers captain has been to London Stadium several times this season, both as a media and club ambbadador. The atmosphere created by 60,000 supporters is a source of inspiration.

And with Premier League winner Manuel Pellegrini leading a high-quality team, Reo-Coker, who led the Irons to the UEFA Cup by qualifying for the 2006 FA Cup final , hopes to see his former club play the continental competition before too long.

I have played in many famous stadiums, but nothing beats that feeling of playing for West Ham with the fans behind you.

Nigel Reo-Coker

"Upton Park will never be forgotten," said the 34-year-old, who joined the Wimbledon Hammers 15 years ago this week. "It was a special place for fans and players who had the chance to play in this environment.

"To go forward and for what the club wants and deserves to be, the London Stadium should host matches of the Champions League. Even if it were difficult moves, this is the next chapter in the life of this great club.

"I was there for the match against Chelsea [before Christmas] and as soon as West Ham has created two chances in the first half, do you remember how much the atmosphere has become electric?

"After the game I was talking to some fans and I told them that what's special about West Ham is that it's a real British football club and that it's the fans who make it what it is.

"At times, fans do not realize how much they can create that particular atmosphere, how much they can dictate the mood and make players perform better.

"I'm not saying that everything depends on the fans – the players have to perform – but when these fans are behind their team, there is no greater support than I've seen or experienced in the English football. "

As the Hammers prepare to face the club that he joined at the age of 12 in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday night, it may be 12 years since Reo-Coker was gone to Aston Villa, but he still remembers his three years. half-seasons and 142 appearances in Claret and Blue very affectionately.

"West Ham was the best time of my career," he confirmed. "It's there that I made a name for myself. It's a fantastic club.

"I've played in a lot of famous stadiums, but nothing matches the feel of playing for West Ham with the fans behind you."