HAMMER'S striker Freddy Kanoute scored the only goal of the game at Manchester City last weekend, which could ensure West Ham United defy the odds and avoid the drop.

In fact that strike, which ensured the Hammers left Maine Road with all three points safely tucked away could be worth tens of millions to the club if they remain in the Premiership next season.

And despite a season of claims and counter claims over what has been said in interviews, and lost in translation, Freddy Kanoute broke his media silence after the game to give an exclusive interview to the Guardian.

He said: "It was such an important goal for us today, but the team all did a very good job.

"I think we deserved the win, because the season has been very hard on us. We are all going to stick together for the last two games and while we must win both of them we have got the confidence to do that now.

"Everyone stuck together as a team today, and we have to expect the same thing to happen in the remaining two games. It is a very important time for us, but I know that everybody is motivated in the dressing room." Speaking about this weekend's fixture with Chelsea, Kanoute added: "It is a game that will be very difficult because of the quality of their team. But we have proved many times that we could beat good teams like them."

May 1, 2003 11:00