With West Ham United set to face Sevilla in the Europa League, ABC in Spain decided to have a chat with a player who knows both clubs, and that led them to Kepa.
We’re obviously not talking about the Chelsea goalkeeper, but Kepa Blanco, who came through at the Spanish side back in 2003, before heading to spend time with the Hammers in 2007 for a few months.
During his time in London, the striker only ever made eight appearances for West Ham, scoring one goal in a 2-1 loss against Liverpool at Upton Park on his debut.
He played alongside the likes of Rob Green and Carlos Tévez, and it’s a time in his career that he doesn’t mind looking back on at all.
Speaking to the newspaper, he said: “It was all very fast. I remember it very fondly. I suddenly found myself in London at a new club, and with a totally different way of playing. The experience of being able to live a different culture was so enriching. I would have liked to stay longer, but I remember that season, the Premier League ended very early, in the first days of May.
“The first thing I noticed was a change in the physicality, above all. The training sessions were very intense, and the idea was to play in a much more vertical way. The memory that remained with me was very nice. It was an incredible experience.”
ABC point out that West Ham really pushed to bring Kepa to the club during that January transfer window, but once he got there, playing him wasn’t as easy as first thought, which is why he only ever managed those eight appearances.
He doesn’t hold it against them, and is quite excited about the upcoming Europa League clash between his two former teams.
The 38-year-old said: “I expect a difficult tie, with a very strong West Ham. They are doing very well in the Premier League and their fans are one of those who put pressure on you. They are noticed in England. It would be important to go to London with a good scoreline.”
He says that because the first leg, on Thursday, will take place in Seville, but he does believe the Spanish side have extra incentive to make it through the leg.
He added: “The disappointment, perhaps, (this season) was the Champions League, because I think the team could have gone further, but now we can defend the competition that has given Sevilla so much: the Europa League.
“In addition, the final is in our stadium, which undoubtedly motivates everyone even more.”
