West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has delivered a stern message to the Europa Conference League - the Hammers are ready to hit the ground running in the competition as they look to lift the trophy next June.
The Hammers start their European campaign on Thursday night against Danish outfit Viborg FF and will be hoping to go one better than last season.
The 2021/22 campaign saw David Moyes' side reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League before losing to eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt.
READ MORE: Full West Ham squad revealed for Europa Conference League qualifier against Viborg
Areola, who joined on a permanent deal from French champions Paris Saint-Germain after spending last season on loan, was the Hammers' cup goalkeeper and speaking before the Conference League qualifier, he said that his side will do their best this season to win the competition outright.
"We showed lots of good things last season in Europe. We're here now to compete. We will give our best to get to the final stage and win the competition. You have to push the team and yourself to be as good as you can and try to win as many games as you can," said the 29-year-old.
"We've done something great for the first time with the club and we hope to do even better. We are competitors. When you are competing in Europe, you want to win."
When speaking about being the back-up to Lukasz Fabianski in goal and playing mainly in the domestic and European cup competitions, the French shot-stopper added that he is always ready when called upon. Areola also discussed the competition for the No.1 shirt in east London, saying that only his performances in between the sticks can make him the starter.
"When you're a competitor, you want to play as much as you can. I'll be here to give my best to help the team. Any opportunities, I'll be ready," he said.
"We didn't talk about this [being No.1]. Any opportunities I will try to give my best. I'm here for that. The most important is the team before and after that the players. I need to play well. I need to help the team. I'm here for that. We're here for the wins. So let's work together."
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