It’s frightening how much Harry has played... it’ll catch up with him for sure
game in which to play. I scored my first Premier League goal against them in 2007 and the atmosphere on the pitch is always amazing.
I’ve been involved in so many wins, losses and draws and you never know what this particular game will throw up. We have had some fantastic results again them — and some bad ones.
Years ago, not long after I had broken into West Ham’s first team, there was quite a lot of talk about a possible move to Spurs but I was always seen as a proper homegrown player and I’m happy with that.
You look at other players such as Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair, who moved to other big clubs — with mixed outcomes. I’ve always said I have no regrets at all. I’ve created a bit of history at West Ham and I think I’ll be remembered a lot more for staying here rather than moving to 10 different clubs.
The players left behind at West Ham during the international break have been training hard, probably harder physically than at some other periods during the season.
There was a time a few years ago when people were putting my name forward for international recognition but these days, I have to say I look forward to a weekend off, without the pressure of another game.
Take the England players. They go from ‘ having to win’ for their clubs to the pressure of playing for their country. For me, though, just having that chance of a mental rest for a weekend is a really good thing.
I was having a chat with Pablo Zabaleta on Tuesday and he said the hardest part of the game when you get a little bit older, is the mental side of things, so when you get that time to relax, it’s really good.
Physically you feel okay because you learn, you know your body.
I remember flying into tackles when I was 21, getting big lumps on my shins — and they would heal in a day!
Now you take a lot more time to look after yourself.