FOR Vladimir Coufal, the lead-up to the Europa Conference League Final was the most nervous he has ever been, and the elation after the final whistle the happiest.
That emotional rollercoaster was shared by all West Ham fans, as well as every player on the pitch in Prague.
It is little wonder that Coufal and West Ham have set their sights on another European run and winning the Europa League this season.
The Hammers host Serbian side TSC Backa Topola in their opening group game tonight, and there is a feeling that their memories of Prague, of lifting the club's first major trophy in 43 years, will power them through their latest European campaign.
Coufal remains fiercely proud of his European medal three months on, but also humbled by quite how much it means to West Ham supporters.
"A trophy after how long? I still meet people in coffee shops who come up and thank me for what we did in Prague," Coufal tells Standard Sport.
"I love the culture of football here, because people are obsessed. When you win a trophy for the fans, you are almost God to them.
This story is from the September 21, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the September 21, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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