Paolo Di Canio is a West Ham United legend and Ian Wright got to see him close up during the one season he spent at Upton Park in the late 1990s.
Di Canio‘s unrivalled passion and love for the famous Claret and Blue shirt instantly endeared himself to the West Ham fans.
On numerous occasions after leaving the club, Di Canio shared his undying love for West Ham.
He was unlike anyone else the Hammers fans had seen at Upton Park. His skill, flair and knack for producing the miraculous saw him become an instant fan favourite in the East End.
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Harry Redknapp recently admitted that he took a big gamble by signing Di Canio for West Ham in January 1999.
However, it was one that seriously paid off for both him and the Hammers.
The Italian went on to bag 50 goals and 21 assists in 139 games for West Ham (Transfermarkt) before he left the club in the summer of 2003.
It’s no secret that the Hammers fans adored Di Canio but what did Ian Wright make of him?
Ian Wright delivers verdict on Paolo Di Canio
Wright spent the majority of his time in the game with West Ham’s London rivals Arsenal.
As a result, he was never able to earn hero status at Upton Park as Di Canio did.
Wright was still a popular figure with the West Ham fans nonetheless, after scoring nine goals in 22 Premier League games after joining the club for £500,000 in the summer of 1998.
The now 62-year-old got to see Di Canio up close and personal after the Italian joined the Hammers just six months after he did.
Wright is a footballing legend in his own right.
He scored 252 goals for club and country throughout his illustrious career with Arsenal, Crystal Palace, West Ham and three other clubs.
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However, even a man with Wright’s track-record in the game was super-impressed by what he saw from Di Canio.
When speaking on The Stick To Football Podcast, Wright responded when asked what he thought of Di Canio.
“You know what, I was with him at West Ham,” Wright said.
“Honestly, unbelievable work ethic in respect of his fitness. God almighty, he was so good.”
The former Arsenal and Hammers striker clearly has serious respect for the Italian and it’s little wonder why.
Paolo Di Canio is an unequivocal West Ham legend
He thrilled the West Ham fans with his brilliance during his four-and-a-half year spell at Upton Park.
After the Hammers won the Europa Conference League in 2023, Di Canio shared just how happy he was.
And his delight was mostly borne out of his love for the Hammers fans.
“We were celebrating because it was an emotional night, I’m very happy because the West Ham supporters are amazing,” Di Canio said.
“They are waiting for more than 50 years (for another European trophy) so it was (about time they had the chance) to celebrate. I’m very happy for all of them.”
Paolo Di Canio gave the West Ham fans absolutely everything and they supported him to the hilt as a result.
Ian Wright’s comments on the 57-year-old prove just how highly appreciated he was in the West Ham dressing room as well.
Paolo Di Canio – a true Hammers legend in every sense of the word.
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