West Ham United’s Fornals ‘really happy and proud’

It’s been a frustrating campaign waiting in the wings for West Ham United’s Pablo Fornals.

But the Spaniard took centre-stage at AZ Alkmaar’s AFAS Stadium last night, where he fired home the late, late winner that confirmed the Hammers place in next month’s UEFA Europa Conference League final.

“Mentally, this season has been a challenge for everyone,” said the substitute, who stepped from the bench to clog the Dutch and give West Ham United a 1-0 victory on the night and 3-1 win on aggregate.

“Everyone has been waiting for their moment because the manager has been picking the players, who he thinks are in the best form and shape for the team. The rest of us have just had to wait for our chances.”

The 27-year-old may have featured 177 times in claret and blue since his £24million arrival from Villarreal in the summer of 2019 but in recent months he has dropped down David Moyes’ pecking order, making just 23 starts, while stepping from the bench on no less than two-dozen occasions.

“Those players who are playing more regularly have been doing really well,” added the six-times capped Spaniard.

“They’ve settled into a recognisable starting eleven so the people like us, who are behind them, are just trying to get our minutes when we can but I’m really happy to help the team with good goals, good minutes and good defending.

“It’s been a difficult time so tonight has been really good news and a good moment for me and my family” continued Fornals after his stoppage-time, semi-final, second-leg strike took his tally for the campaign to six.

“I’m having a lot of feelings inside myself when I score or have moments like that and I realise just how happy and proud I am to be here right now. It’s unbelievable!

“When the referee then whistled for the end of the match, I just threw myself into the floor and started crying like a kid. I don’t know why but I seem to be crying a lot this year but I’m really happy for the club.

“It’s been a long time since they’ve been in this situation and I’m so pleased for our fans, too.

“I’d like to thank all the people who came over here to Holland and, already, we know that they’ wil be with us for the final in Prague, too, because that’s what West Ham supporters do. They’re always behind us. They really are massive everywhere they go!

“It’s a beautiful moment for fans who are back home in east London, too, while it’s good for Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal that we’re going to be playing the final at their home in the Czech  Republic.

“We are so happy for this night and, hopefully there will be more evenings like this to come,” concluded Fornals, now setting his sights on that June 7 showdown against Italy’s Fiorentina at the Eden Stadium.

“This is a massive moment for everyone – the football club, the lads, the fans and myself – and it’s going to be the first final I’ve ever played for any club.

“For sure, we now all want to come back to east London with a trophy and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”