The Italian spoke up for his compatriot after helping the Hammers to move out of the Barclays Premier League bottom three with victory over Birmingham City.
Diamanti sprinted 50 yards to hug Zola on the touchline after putting West Ham in front with a sensational free-kick on the stroke of half-time in Wednesday night’s 2-0 win at Upton Park.
He was followed by a host of his team-mates in a public display of affection and support for their manager.
Diamanti was the catalyst for the success when Scott Parker’s mazy rlun was brought to an end with a foul by Scott Dann.
Both Diamanti and Mido wanted to take the free-kick but the goalscorer would not be denied.
make changes
“I was ready to cut off his hands if he had tried to pick up the ball,” said Diamanti, who then sprinted towards the touchline to hug Zola with a clutch of other West Ham players.
The celebration, coupled with the players’ purpose, determination and team spirit, formed a clear message of support for Zola and a one which the new co-owners would have noted as they celebrated in the stand.
“We had so much will to win this game,” added Diamanti.
“We had been trying hard to win the last few games. It didn’t happen but there was so much anger in the team to win this one.
“Like every other player here, we are all behind the manager because he works very hard, he’s a top guy and he’s the one who always takes responsibility.
“Even when we don’t play well he’s always there, encouraging us. I was very pleased to win and when I scored my first thought was for the boss.”
good connection
Zola appreciated the gesture by Diamanti but was reluctant to see it as anything more than a nice celebration of a great goal.
“I appreciated the gesture very much,” he said.
“It’s important the crowd sees there is a good working group here and a sense of unity. As he ran over he said that it was a goal for the team, me and himself.
“It is important there is a good connection between the staff, myself and the other people who work with the players.”
“We are all behind the manager because he works very hard, he’s a top guy” – Alessandro Diamanti
Credits: PremierLeague.com
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