Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has admitted that he was upset by the reception he received on his return to Upton Park during Tottenham’s 2-3 win on Monday night.
Parker was booed throughout the game, with some sections of the Upton Park support still feeling aggrieved by the England international’s exit.
Parker left West Ham for Tottenham last season in a £6 million deal, bringing an end to four years with the East London club. During his West Ham career, Parker was their stand-out performer, awarded the ‘Hammer of the Year’ on three occasions. He was also awarded the coveted Football Writers’ Association Football of the Year in his final year with the club, despite West Ham being relegated to the Championship.
The former captain put in some virtuoso performances for the club and only left the Hammers for the good of the club, following a bid from Tottenham that the West Ham board could not turn down.
Parker admitted that he was taken by surprise with the reaction and that it upset him considering he had given his all to the club.
“I didn’t expect the West Ham fans to boo me and obviously it was a little bit upsetting,” said Parker. “I don’t know why (they did it). I don’t know if it’s because I went to their local rivals… I’m not sure, but I just would have liked to think that maybe I would have got a better reception after what I did in my time here.
“I loved (Upton Park), the fans, and I loved the club.
“I had four fantastic years here and it will always be a club with a massive place in my heart. I was looking forward to coming back and I couldn’t wait to go out there and play so I was disappointed (to be booed).”
Gareth Bale’s sensational injury-time winner gave Tottenham the all-important three points at Upton Park, moving them into third place. They face Arsenal at White Hart Lane on Sunday, in what is one of the most important North London derbies in recent times.
Tottenham are 5/4 with Boylesports.com to beat Arsenal at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
dazza
02/27/2013 at 7:14 pm
YES it is because you went to spurs what do you expect. and what did you do for the club? did you win anything? you got paid very well for playing for west ham its not as if you were playing for the hammers for the love of it even martin peters still gets it in the neck for going to spurs and he was ten times the player you are.