|
With him in the team there is always the belief that we can score the necessary goal. One moment of brilliance can make the difference between a draw and a win - a gift that few teams have.
So naturally when he comes to the manager's door asking for a contract extension, the talks are more a formality than a necessity. Well, not at West Ham - which is not perhaps a bad thing. Glenn is happy to wait till the end of the season, and then sit down and discuss it.
His take on the situation is clear: "It can be off-putting to talk about contracts while the season is ongoing and there is a mad scramble for safety, and the end of next season is a very long way away. Contract negotiations are not sorted out overnight and it is less than professional to be talking about money and contracts during the season .
"It's such a long time away. Eighteen months is a long time in football. We don't feel it's time to be talking anything but football-and what happens on the pitch. When you are talking contracts and all the things involved with them you can start taking your eye off the ball."
Paolo had been expressing himself to the press this week on his return to the UK following a trip back to Italy during his suspension period with West Ham:
"Maybe the club was right when it said that it was not the correct time to talk." he admits. I respect its decision and I will play my best. I want to stay here this season plus next and then, if I am still an influential figure, I would like to play on for another year.
"I still want to give the people a chance to watch me. While I have been back in Italy I have been going early to training every day. At my age perhaps I should be resting for two days and training for two but I still have the enthusiasm, the passion. Perhaps West Ham will change their mind and talk about a new contract but, if not, then I'm sure there are a lot of clubs who already want to sign me.
"I have said I would go back to Italy, not to play but to be close to my family but now I think I could play on for another year in England. I have always thought I would like to stay here for 20 to 30 years. I like England, London, the people.