Premier League: Striker Enner Valencia glad to be playing for West Ham

West Ham striker Enner Valencia admits he is 'living the dream' following his £12million summer move to the Premier League club.

Having joined the Hammers in July from Pachuca, Valencia made his first league start earlier this month against Hull City and capped off an impressive performance with a superb long-range goal.

After getting his Premier League career off to a good start, the Ecuador forward says his hopes have been realised and is now eagerly anticipating Saturday’s trip to Manchester United.

“I had to work with my dad on the farm milking cows and then sell the milk to buy my first boots,” Valencia explained.

“I used to watch the Premier League on TV and now I’m living the dream. I can say that it has been a good start, the way that I have adapted to the Premier League.

I knew about West Ham mainly from films. I remember Green Street. I was not scared. I respected the fact they are very passionate supporters and, when I found out I was coming here, I didn’t know what to expect.

“Anyone can beat anyone in this league. Everyone loves to play United and I would love to beat them.”

Valencia admits he was initially wary of life in England after watching ‘Green Street’ – a film about football hooliganism which was named after a road next to West Ham’s ground Upton Park.

“I knew about West Ham mainly from films. I remember Green Street,” the former Emelec striker said.

“I was not scared. I respected the fact they are very passionate supporters and, when I found out I was coming here, I didn’t know what to expect.

“As soon as I arrived I was told that all that was in the old days and it has all changed now.

“Also, here in England, fans are respectful whereas in South America, if you lose a match you can’t even go out in the street.

“Here, after we lost the opening game (to Tottenham) people stayed in the stadium and showed their support. I liked that.”