West Ham United women's vice-captain Hawa Cissoko is excited to get back to WSL action this weekend.
The Hammers return from the international break to host Everton at the Chigwell Contruction Stadium in their final home game of 2023 on Sunday.
And Cissoko is hoping they can end the year on a high.
Speaking exclusively to Romford Recorder,she said: “We are excited to get back into action on Sunday after the international break - there is no denying the importance of the next two games this side of Christmas.
"We have worked so hard since our manager, Rehanne Skinner came through the door and we can all see improvements on the pitch in how she wants us to play.
"The results haven’t been going our way recently but a win on Sunday will help to restore our confidence and show that we are on the right path.”
Nine of The Hammers squad - Viviane Asseyi, Izzy Atkinson, Jessie Stapleton, Riko Ueki, Risa Shimizu, Honoka Hayashi, Amber Tysiak, Lisa Evans and Keira Flannery - have been away on international duty over the last week and although Cissoko wasn’t involved herself, she highlighted the gains made by those training at Chadwell Heath.
“We played Arsenal just before the international break and although the result didn’t go in our favour, we had a lot to be proud of by our second-half performance in particular," she added.
"The spirit that we showed - the ‘never-say-die’ attitude that we all have and the pride of playing for the West Ham badge.
“Personally, I now feel refreshed and I’m looking forward to finishing 2023 on a high!”
Tickets are still available for Sunday’s clash against Everton and Cissoko shared her appreciation of the support the team have received so far this season.
“The support at Chigwell Construction Stadium is so important to us. When we see and hear our supporters in the stands cheering us on, we always want to do well for them," she said.
"We will always give everything for the fans and Sunday will be no different. We will leave nothing out on the pitch, give 100 per cent and do everything we can to get a huge three points. Come on you Irons!”
There will be a chance for fans to meet two of West Ham United's biggest stars, Mackenzie Arnold and Dagný Brynjarsdóttir, who will be hosting a signing session ahead of kick-off at Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday.
Half-Season Tickets to watch West Ham United in the Barclays Women's Super League are also now available to purchase, meaning fans can watch Skinner's side for as little as £3.14 per game for the remainder of 2023-24.
After welcoming Everton before the year is out, the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City will all make the trip to Dagenham in 2024.
Supporters can secure Half-Season Tickets from just £35 for Adults, £29 for Under-21s or Over-66s and £22 for Under-18s.
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