As West Ham United fullback Emerson Palmieri is now completing ten years in European football, Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte shares a special story with him.
It was in 2014 that the player left Santos for Palermo. He then featured for AS Roma, Chelsea and Lyon before arriving at the Hammers in 2022.
Emerson is very proud of what he’s achieved in his career so far. He’s thrilled to be in the Premier League, but he just wishes the weather was better.
“Sometimes it gets you down. You see summer everywhere in Europe and only there is it still cold. It’s very windy.”
Despite being born and raised in Brazil, Emerson ended up playing for the Italian national team. He recalled how it all happened.
“At first I waited for the Brazilian national team, because it was my dream. I waited up to six months to give an answer, but nobody spoke to me or showed any interest. Our careers are short. I waited for contact, but it didn’t come. And that’s fine. I have no regrets. And I believe I made the right choice for my career.”
The West Ham fullback wasn’t included in Italy’s squad for the Euros, despite being in the squad that won the tournament back in 2021. He said that won’t change his support for them.
“It was difficult. And I accepted at first, because we also have to be realistic about the situation. And obviously you have to give other players the opportunity to show their football. I was able to stand out (in the 2022/2023 season). So I did hope I’d get a chance. Unfortunately it didn’t come. It was one of my personal goals, but I’m rooting for Italy to win this Euros.”
West Ham spent €15.4m to sign Emerson from Chelsea in 2022. So far, he’s made 81 appearances for the club, with the 2022/23 Conference League title being his biggest achievement there. His contract with the Hammers runs until 2026, with an option for an extra year.
