West Ham defender Kurt Zouma expressed delight with being captain of the English side, saying it’s a dream come true.
Zouma was speaking in a pre-match presser ahead of their mouthwatering clash against Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
The 29-year-old Frenchman, who joined West Ham from Chelsea in 2021, said: “It is a huge honour for me, especially leading the team to the quarterfinals of the Europa League, which is something I never believed I would do. It was a dream for me as a kid being the captain.
“I am very lucky to be the captain of this amazing team especially with the great group of players.”
Zouma began his career at French side Saint-Etienne before joining Chelsea in 2014. But he was sent out on loan to Stoke City and to Everton before permanently joining the Hammers.
“I went through a lot of ups and downs,” he said. “My family helped me a lot. My teammates, all the coaches I’ve had all my career. I’ve had the chance to play with some great leaders and all of that’s helped me to be who I am today.”
West Ham, who are 7th in the Premier League, will be looking to prevail over the in-form Leverkusen over two legs. They square off at the BayArena later on Thursday.