WHZ View: Di Canio is the best to ever do it at West Ham
Wednesday marked 22 years since West Ham completed the signing of the man who scored the greatest goal in Premier League history.
Paolo Di Canio arrived at Upton Park on January 27th 1999. The Italian would go on to become an icon at West Ham, considered so by many as the best player to ever pull on claret and blue.
Throughout his career, Di Canio was never far away from the spotlight.
In honour of the great one’s anniversary, West Ham Zone have picked out the best moments from his four and a half seasons in East London.
The catch at Goodison
The hot-headed Italian made the headlines for an outstanding display of sportsmanship when West Ham faced off with Everton.
With the game poised at 1-1, Di Canio caught the ball crossed into him, insisting that injured keeper Paul Gerrard receive treatment rather than scoring into an empty net.
The act was met by a standing ovation at Goodison Park, and demonstrated further Di Canio’s flair for the unconventional.
Belter at the Bridge
The Hammers were in free-fall during the 2002/03 season at the time of their trip to Stamford Bridge.
We went into the game without a win all season, Chelsea at that time were undefeated. Di Canio struck first in the 48th minute, rifling a left-footed volley past Carlo Cudicini.
It was enough to inspire the Irons to a 3-2 win, a first win of the season and even better, in Chelsea’s back yard.
Play to the whistle
I mean, it’s just so basic, isn’t it? Not to Fabian Barthez.
On this day, 20 years ago, Di Canio scored a controversial goal at Old Trafford in the FA Cup. It was enough to win the tie and send the Hammers through to the next round.
The French World Cup-winning goalkeeper tried to ‘psych’ out our Italian maverick by raising his hand and stopping all engagement.
He was made to look an absolute fool as Di Canio slotted home for a famous win.
That volley
March 26th 2000, Di Canio met a Trevor Sinclair cross with both feet off the ground. He proceeded to volley past Neil Sullivan in the Wimbledon goal from the tightest of angles.
It’s seen by many as the best goal to have ever been scored in the Premier League, and it was done at Upton Park.
The crowning moment of a beautiful love story between player and fans. Di Canio was simply adored by all at Upton Park.
In other West Ham news, Declan Rice should become the new club captain.