Inside West Ham’s Europa Conference League party: Players indulge in a private room into the early hours, after dancing with fans in the street after a stunning final win in Prague
- West Ham clinched the Europa Conference League title by beating Fiorentina
- A 2-1 win was wrapped up for the Hammers after Jarrod Bowen’s late winner
- Chaotic scenes ensued after the game as the players and staff celebrated
After ending their 43-year wait for a major trophy, West Ham players and staff celebrated all night in Prague on Wednesday night.
The Hammers lifted the Europa Conference League trophy with a 2–1 win over Fiorentina in the final, which was capped off with a late goal from Jarrod Bowen.
David Moyes’ side had taken the lead through a penalty from Said Benrahma, but were pushed back shortly after by a goal from Giacomo Bonaventura in the 67th minute.
But Bowen managed to seal the victory for the Hammers late, sparking wild celebrations among the side’s players and staff.
Clips of the chaotic scenes began circulating on social media shortly after the match, and fans were not disappointed by the hilarious antics that followed.
Mikhail Antonio shared clips of West Ham’s celebrations from their hotel after the match
Lucas Paqueta and his wife Duda Fournier showed the festive mood on Instagram
Star striker Mikhail Antonio shared a clip his Instagram page that showed the West Ham players partying in their private room at their hotel.
The song ‘Freed From Desire’ can be heard in the background. The players and staff sing along but with their altered version, which suggests Jarrod Bowen is ‘on fire’ and refers to his girlfriend.
Elsewhere, Lucas Paqueta’s wife – Duda Fournier – shared a clip on her social media of herself dancing around with the Conference League medal around her neck.
Youngster Divin Mubamba, who made two appearances during the competition, showed defender Kurt Zouma’s dance through a video on his Instagram.
The French centre-back dances around in his full kit in the dressing room shortly after they clinched the Conference League title.
Thilo Kehrer – who came on at half-time to replace Zouma – shared similar scenes on his Instagram page, while the players celebrated on the bus back to their hotel.
There were plenty of videos of the Hammers coming back to their hotel that started appearing on social media, with Declan Rice and David Moyes leading the antics.
As the team got off the bus, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola pulled out a portable music player and even manager David Moyes joined in the impromptu bop for two dozen happy fans early today after 2am.
And goalscorer Bowen was all smiles, laughing as his teammates danced to a song that lovingly celebrates his relationship with Dani Dyer, with whom he recently gave birth to twins.
Central defenders Thilo Kehrer (left) and Kurt Zouma (right) partied all night in Prague
Club captain Declan Rice broke action on camera when he got involved in the festivities
West Ham boss David Moyes (front centre) got involved in the antics outside the hotel
The chaotic scenes were fueled by Bowen’s winner in the closing moments of the game, as he pushed the ball past the onrushing Pietro Terracciano.
Bowen told BT Sport after the game: “Obviously I was dreaming of scoring, but scoring the winner in the last minute – that’s what you always say.” And to do it in front of these fans – I thought I was going to cry.
‘I’m just happy. I can’t put it into words. We’ve had a dream – we haven’t had the best season, myself included.
“But to do what we did for these fans tonight – to give them this moment, I’m over the moon.”
Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute strike helped seal a historic European title for the Hammers
Combative midfielder Rice, who covered every blade of grass in the pulsating finale, said: “Honestly, it means absolutely everything. The boys have been so into it. We’ve had real faith. I am not only happy for us, for the manager, but also for the fans.
“I’m happy for (the backroom staff) too.”
On Bowen’s goal, he added: “I said as he drove through on goal, ‘this is your time”. Once you see it hit the back of the net you don’t know what to do – I’m still in shock!
“I absolutely love this club. They made one for me themselves. I’m just so, so happy.