When Martin Samuelsen first signed for the club last month, not many of us Hammers knew much about him.
Now, following a terrific performance in his first game for the club against Peterborough United last week, the young Norwegian has caught the eye of the fans who are eager for his next outing.
We were fortunate enough to speak with Martin about his footballing career to date, and how he’s finding life at West Ham! Follow him on twitter @Samuelseen.
How was the move for you as a young teenager coming to England to join Manchester City?
Coming to big club like Man City at the age of 14 was very different to what I was used to coming from a smaller club in Norway called Vard Haugesund. It took some time to adapt with a new culture and language and last but not least the different style of football but I settled in quickly.
When you signed for City, how was the transition like in regards to schooling and living arrangements?
I moved into an apartment with only my dad to start with but after six months my mum and brother moved over as well. Education-wise I started at St. Bede’s College straight away, which is a fantastic school for young academists and athletes in Manchester.
Did you ever spend any time training with the senior team?
The few times I did train with first team players was when I trained with the U21’s and some first team players dropped down. However, I did get to know the most of them as we often had lunch together.
When you signed for West Ham this summer, how were you welcomed by the team?
I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome when I came. Everyone has been very nice, shown me around, and also help me stay confident on the pitch and letting me do what I’m good at!
How would you describe your first West Ham performance?
It wouldn’t say I played well, but I wouldn’t say I played bad either. I started off okay and felt good to begin with but as the game went I got more and more tired and made some mistakes which I should have avoided. But what I was pleased with was that I scored a goal and almost scored another one (hit the post), when you play in attack all that matters is goal and assists! There is a lot of room of improvement which is good and not too unexpected for the first game of the season!
What was it like to score that goal, a real beauty it was too!
It was a fantastic feeling seeing the ball cross the line, and scoring in my first game – amazing! I’ve worked a lot on my finishing during the off season and yesterday showed that I must’ve worked well! But the best part was after I scored hearing the “roar” from all the travelling West Ham fans, the chills shot through my body like a lightning bolt! The fans are amazing!
You mentioned after the game that it was ‘surreal’ to play alongside Mark Noble, why was that?
It’s not many years ago that I was sat in front of the TV in my home in Norway dreaming that I would one day play with the stars in the Premier League I was watching. Mark Noble was one of them and suddenly playing along side him and with the other senior players felt very special, almost surreal!
What are your ambitions for the coming season?
I would like to get some appearances for the first team at some point. In the meantime, or if not, I’m going to work my socks off for the U21’s and help them win games by scoring and assisting my teammates.
