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West Ham supporters have delivered some bad news for Paolo Di Canio in a debate over the club’s greatest ever players.
The Italian made 139 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions between 1999 and 2003, contributing 50 goals and 22 assists.
Ian Wright and Roy Keane recently agreed that Di Canio’s scissor-kick volley is the greatest goal of the Premier League era.
He will always be considered a club legend, but perhaps not the very best player in West Ham’s 130-year history.
AGREE or DISAGREE? Paolo Di Canio is West Ham’s BEST player ever! ⭐
26 Mar 2000: Paolo Di Canio of West Ham United expresses an opinion during the FA Carling Premiership match against Wimbledon at Upton Park in London. West Ham United won the match 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Stu Forster/Allsport Fans tell Paolo Di Canio he’s not West Ham’s best player ever
Hammers News asked West Ham supporters on TalkingPoints whether Paolo Di Canio is the best to have played for the East London club.
The majority had only positive things to say about the forward, but almost none placed him first in their all-time player rankings.
“Bobby Moore, then Trevor Brooking, then Billy Bonds, then Alan Devonshire, then Scott Parker,” a Hammers fan shared his list. “I could go on before I went to Di Canio, but he was a baller.”
West Ham fans can join the retro player debate here
Others named Trevor Brooking and Bobby Moore in the top spot, possibly because they enjoyed considerably greater longevity than Di Canio.
“Sorry Paolo, but watching West Ham for over 70 years, I have to say that Bobby Moore was the best Hammer I have ever seen,” another said on our Facebook page.
Finish the sentence: My favourite Paolo di Canio memory is… ?
“Definitely up there, but behind Bobby Moore and [Billy Bonds], probably Sir Trevor too,” a supporter added.
Two more responses read: “No way, Jose. Superb, but we’ve had better, and “No. Fantastic player and a legend, but not the best.”
While Di Canio is clearly not regarded as West Ham’s greatest player, he might well be the most skilful and entertaining.
He could do things on a football pitch that few would even consider trying – the reason he will always be loved in East London.
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