Said Benrahma
West Ham attacking midfielder Said Benrahma says it will be ‘special’ to play against former side Brentford and is delighted the Bees managed to secure promotion to the Premier League. David Moyes’ team head to the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon for a pre-season friendly and will come up against Thomas Frank’s team again in October and April in the league. Benrahma spent two seasons at Brentford and still has a lot of fond memories from his time at the club.
Said Benrahma said: “Brentford is a club that gave me everything. They did give me everything, they helped me, they made me evolve and grow. Despite the fact I was only there for two years, they showed me a lot of love. It’s special to go back, it’s a friendly match but we’ll also play them in the league this year. I’m happy for them that they got promoted, it’s a well-structured and well-run club. I’m very pleased that they came up to the Premier League. It’s always weird to play against your old club. It’s a team that gave me a lot, they’re like my family and I won’t forget that.”
During Benrahma’s time at the Bees his beloved father passed away and it was the support the club afforded him that the 25-year-old is so thankful for.
Said Benrahma said: “They really helped, like I said it’s a team that gave me a lot,” he said. “Even when I had this tragedy when my father died, they gave me freedom with regards to my return, they didn’t make me come back. They said to me: ‘You can come back when you’re ready’. So that meant a lot to me, I won’t forget that. So that’s why I say that Brentford is my family.”
The clash with Brentford will be Benrahma’s third match of pre-season and the Algerian looked in fine form when facing Celtic last weekend scoring a fabulous goal during the 6-2 win. Benrahma ended last season in fine form, netting a vital equaliser against Brighton and providing two assists in the final five matches to help the Hammers into the Europa League. Ahead of the new season, the former Bee is looking forward to the challenge of pushing West Ham up another level.
Said Benrahma said: “Honestly, I think we’ve got a great group, but then I think there might be some new players. So, we’re going to try and do even better than last year. Whatever happens, we all have the desire to play well this year, and move the club even further up the table, which it deserves. I’m excited to begin my second season, I can’t wait to get started and to show everything that I can bring to this team and this Club. Of course, I’ll need to have confidence, but I think that will come on its own. Now, I’m already trying to prepare myself to be ready for this season so we’ll see.”
