Pablo Fornals says that every member of West Ham United's squad deserves to go all the way in the Europa League and seal a top six Premier League finish as David Moyes's team embark on new territory.
Speaking ahead of Thursday's quarter-final first leg against Lyon at London Stadium, the Spain attacking midfielder said that the squad is 100% in good shape and ready to create another chapter in the club's history.
"As you can imagine it is very exciting for the players and staff but also the people who support West Ham," he said. "It has been massive. We are going to try and go as far as we can in all competitions because I think every one of us deserves it. It is unbelievable and I am really happy and proud to be a part of this moment in West Ham history. It is massive for my career and I am really happy to be here."
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Yesterday's 2-1 win over Everton saw three players return to the squad from injury. With David Moyes' team already stretched in terms of personnel, to have some flexibility over such a busy spell is a significant boost.
"It is very good because we were playing the last two weeks before the last international break with one, maybe one and a half, players for each spot," Fornals said. "That was a bit hard. Now we have Ryan [Fredericks, Vlad[imir Coufal] and [Jarrod] Bowen all back. The other teams now know we have even more players in the team, it is going to be a good point.
"I think since we started the season everyone can see how together we are and how important each one in the group is, it doesn't matter how much you are playing you have a chance to help the team and that is the main thing."
Bowen's return is an especially big help. After a month out with a foot injury, the 25-year-old won the free kick that led to Aaron Cresswell breaking the deadlock against Everton before scoring the winner. And Fornals believes his presence on the pitch pushes the other squad members to work harder.
"It is massive for us," Fornals added. "Not just for what he brings to the team but also he is encouraging everyone else to fight for a spot. That is very good for all of us because it is not going to be easy to get into the team. It is better for us."
