OHIS’ HAMMER LOVE STORY
Sometimes in Football, you witness strange events that could be funny or outrightly ridiculous. In 2002, then-Spain №1 Santiago Canizares missed the 2002 World Cup after a bottle of aftershave slipped through his grasp and severed a tendon on his right foot, literally retiring him as Iker Casillas would go on to cement his place. Something weird about the Spanish and shaving accidents as Marco Asensio famously missed the first Champions League game of the 2017–18 season with an infected pimple after shaving his legs.
Just this weekend, in a weird twist of fate, Novak Djokovic was honoured with the Moderna “Shot of the Day” as he claimed his 24th Grand Slam. Crazy, when you realize Moderna is one of the big sponsors and he was kicked out last year for his firm Anti-vaccine position.
On a personal note, it’s sometimes baffling how my trip to Westfield made me an East-ender, in simple terms, a fan of West Ham which is weird given the number of ‘big teams’ available to support. Maybe Jose Mourinho’s sacking from United helped call off my bromance with Manchester United.
If the season ends today, West Ham will get an automatic spot in the UCL with our ‘more illustrious’ neighbours from West London sitting in their now customary 12th place. Here are two of my big moments as a Hammer and I will be happy to hear some of your weird choices and big moments supporting your preferred teams or life generally.
Most Dramatic game: Realizing from the hospital bed that we had beaten Chelsea 3–2 courtesy of a late Yarmolenko goal which earned me an extra 10k from bets with Timi and Gbolahan. This was 1st July 2020.
Happiest Day: Winning the Europa Conference League on 8th June 2023 was electric because my favourite West Ham player, Jarrod Bowen clinched the winner in added time. I was lucky enough to escape a knee injury after my knee slide celebration of the goal with tears rolling down my eyes.
Expectations for the season: A solid run in the UEFA Europa League and a top-half finish in the Premier League.
I’ve heard of folks who smashed their TV screens in anger after their team bottled sure wins. Some others have kissed total strangers in excitement. I’d be excited to read about some of your weird football choices and big moments.
