Give Us 10

This week Fulham fan Seb de Sousa puts his 10 questions to fans’ favourite, John Pantsil.

1. When you left West Ham United, did you feel that you left with unfinished business?

I think so, yes. I was disappointed that I didn’t really work out at West Ham. It was a difficult period of my career, but I’m a Fulham player now so that is all that matters.

I prayed to God that I could prove what I can do in football and I think I have shown that this season. Hopefully I can help Fulham achieve what they have never achieved before. I like to think the Club and fans are happy with how I have played and performed as well - everything is good and I’m enjoying playing week-in week-out.

2. What is the best moment of your footballing career so far?

I think that is now, right here at Fulham. I’ve enjoyed every single game that I’ve been part of both home and away and I’m really happy with where we are in the league table. No one expected us to be where we are at the moment so for me that is something that I am proud of. I’m having a good time!

3. What are your expectations for the rest of the season?

Well my expectations are very high! We have eight games to go and we have to keep going and aiming for the highest position we possibly can. Everyone is doing well and we need to carry that on, and with the help from the fans we can go some way further.

4. Who do you get along with best at Fulham?

I think everyone really. I don’t have one best friend in particular, they’re just all very nice guys. We respect each other and work and interact like one big family. So I would say that everyone at the Club is my best friend!

5. What are your earliest football memories?

Well it must have been when I was at school because that was when I first started playing. I remember the captain of the team put me in goal. Then when I was elected as the captain a few years later I decided to put myself on pitch – I wanted to be involved more and to score some goals. Which I did!

6. What position did you play when you played youth football?

When I stopped playing as a goalkeeper I played as an attacker. I scored a few goals too, which was good fun. But I’m definitely best as a defender!

7. Who is the best manager you have ever worked with?

I think that would be Roy Hodgson, and that’s not because I’m currently playing for him! He has been very good for me. I learn a lot from him out on the training pitch and I’ve been putting that into my game a lot this season. He’s made me a better player, so he’s definitely the best manager that I have worked with.

8. What sort of music do you listen to?

I listen to R’n’B and Hip Hop mostly. I like a bit of Kanye West, Rihanna and 50 Cent. They’re my favourites.

9. What us the best game that you have ever been involved in?

That has to be the replay with Swansea City in the FA Cup recently. There was a lot of action and both teams played some very good football and the atmosphere was great. I also have a lot of good memories from the win against Arsenal at the start of the season. Again we played very well and got a great result. It was a good start considering it was my first ever game at Craven Cottage, so it was a very special moment.

10. Do you have any pre-match superstitions?

I don’t really have any pre-match superstitions. A few of the players do, but I just like to stay focused and prepared for the match. I just concentrate on making sure that I have warmed up thoroughly and all stretched out. But after the game as the fans know, I will always do a lap of the pitch to thank them!