Maxwel Cornet speaks on how much it would mean to him to lift the Conference League trophy in Prague this June.

Cornet’s start at West Ham hasn’t been the easiest for the former Burnley player. After the relegation of Burnley last season, Cornet signed to West Ham in August in the hopes of more success. The Ivory Coast player was hungry for goals and assists, and he did just that in the early games of the season. With five assists in the Conference League and a late equaliser against Chelsea, which was sadly disallowed, Cornet was on track for a great season with West Ham.

However, in a upsetting turn of events, an injury against Wolves which at first looked to not be serious and only ruling him out for what he thought would be a few weeks. After further examinations, the small injury was deemed not so small. Cornet had suffered an injury to the soleus muscle in his calf which ultimately ended up keeping him out for five months.

The winger was hopeful in making a statement this season and wanted to show everyone his capabilities, only to be stripped by an early injury. “For me it’s been really difficult because when I signed for West Ham I came here to show everyone I can help the team to do something in the Premier League,” Cornet told whufc.com.

With concern around the players mental wellbeing, manager David Moyes allowed Cornet to head back to his home town in France. He worked with specialists in Lyon before returning back to England in the New Year. On his return, he had made a substantial amount of progress and looked to be back in higher spirits.

“Everyone at the Club, the staff of West Ham, tried to find the best option to try to heal the injury and that way we decided I would go back to Lyon and make something else to help. I worked in a private clinic with specialists I knew from my time in Lyon who we could trust and we got it right.” He explained.

In his time away, Cornet expressed that he couldnt have done it without the support of his team mates, in particular, Nayef Aguerd, Said Benrahma, Alphonse Areola, Thilo Kherer and Kurt Zouma. Despite not spending their time with Cornet, they ensured that they were always messaging and checking up on him whenever they could.

“It was really important for me to have the support of my teammates, we spoke a lot and they made me feel comfortable and told me: ‘Do not worry, you’re going to be back soon and we’re going to do the job’.”

His first match back would be a return to the Conference League against AEK Lanarca in early March. A competition in which he knew very well from experiences at former club Olympique Lyonnaise. He told West Ham of his favourite times in Europe over the years spent at his former club, one being against fellow English side Manchester City.

“I played many games in Europe in my career with Olympique Lyon, which I am grateful for, I would say my favourite was when I played against Barcelona in the round of 16 of the Champions League in 2019, because we played against so many big players.” Cornet explained. “I can say I also enjoyed playing against Manchester City in the group stage that season, because I scored one goal when we won away and two goals when we drew at home.”

After making his mark in the Lyon team, he hopes to establish himself in the coming games in the Conference League for West Ham. With the team now preparing for the semi-finals in a few weeks, Cornet is hoping to make the starting line up, with all focus on getting to Prague.

He reflected on just how important the Conference League is and he says “You can’t underestimate this competition, it’s an important competition, for us the players, for the Club and the coach too. So, in every game in this tournament, we will give 100 per cent.”

“European football is different, but you have the same goal. To win a trophy for the Club can be the best thing for me for my first season. It was not a season for me with my injury, but now I am back and I want to do everything to go to the final and win this trophy.” Cornet added.

With the fans behind him, West Ham’s No 14 is eager to share this experience with them. Cornet also expressed just how important it was to connect with the fans on social media during his injury period. There is no doubt that winning the trophy on June 7th will be shared with the fans on his social media platforms.

“I like to communicate with the fans directly on social media,”. He shared “It’s a chance to exchange voices, so the fans can see what we like – not just football. For example, it was very important during my injury, because I wasn’t on the pitch, so it was important to communicate with the fans and remain present with them.”

Written by Katie Vine