West Ham defender Kurt Zouma has spoken of his pride in being made captain of the club.

The French centre-back was named as the successor to Declan Rice by picking up the armband this season, and there is no denying that his start to life in the role couldn’t have gone much better, with our Hammers starting this season in very good form.

West Ham currently sit in 7th place as we head into this weekends clash with Newcastle, and currently occupy top spot of Group A in the Europa League after the opening 2 matches once again on the European stage.

“I would put our strong start down to the team because everyone is pulling in the same direction and following the manager’s instructions very well,” Zouma told the clubs Official Website.

“We are trying to do our best on the pitch and West Ham is a family and we’re playing like a family on the pitch. Everyone is fighting for each other, the spirit is there and hopefully we can continue like that.

“Our expectations are to go as far as we can. We have started well in the Premier League, but there is still room for improvement.”

Zouma couldn’t contain his pride in his position at the club now and what it means to be captain to a club that works so hard to help in the community, as was recognised by the Premier League.

“The Club is doing loads of stuff out in the community at schools and clubs and helping people who are struggling. It’s magic and something special,” said the defender.

“I’m very proud to be part of this amazing Club inside and outside the field, as they do a great job and we just keep growing.

“You can see how big the fanbase is and that gives us more confidence to keep going.”

The former Chelsea player also gave a war cry in terms of our European ambitions, with Zouma stating that there is a belief we can again go all the way this season.

“In terms of the Europa League, why not go all the way?” added Zouma. “We play games to win and we know it’ll be tough, but we know we have the quality to win it, so let’s see how it goes!”