In a documentary titled, Over Land and Sea, What makes a true football fan, released by major sponsors of Premier League club, West Ham, Betway, the story of one of the clubs biggest fans overseas, Pun, who was born in Shanghai is told.
Many English Football fans use to support teams based on varied of reasons especially based on family, place of birth, and many more.
With the globalization of the sport due to live TV broadcast around the world and the internet, teams have gained a lot of fans around the world.
That is story of Pun, a huge fan of Premier League club West Ham United.
Pun tells the story about why he chose the Hammers bove other Premier League clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal etc.
Pun narrates that he started supporting the East London club since 2005 after reading about the history of the club and its former players on the internet. He immediately formed a strong bond with the club and has supported the club ever since.
“I became a West Ham around 2005 because of the great football manager. I searched some information on the internet about the club and saw that we have a huge history. England’s first world champion, Bobby Moore was our captain and also England’s captain. I thought West Ham was a good club, so I focused on them”. Pun said.
When asked who his favourite player at the club was, Pun mentioned the club’s current captain, Mark Noble.
He describes Noble as a leader who leads the club during matches and after matches.
“In matches he leads us. After the matches, he also leads us” Pun waxed lyrical praise about Noble.
Mark Noble on his part said he didn’t see himself as someone’s hero especially with players like Messi and Ronaldo still flying high.
“I don’t see myself as someone’s hero especially with players like Messi and Ronaldo still out there. He [Pun] taking a real liking to me and for someone like him - at the other side of the world - to appreciate what you’ve done is pretty special,” Noble said.
Pun on what he thinks makes a true football fan said,
“If we are West Ham fans, we are family. We dress in the same uniform, we sing the same song and we support the same club”.
The story of Pun goes to show that football and especially the Premier League has overgrown its boundaries and you do not only need to be close to a club to be a true fan.
You can also follow more of Betway relationship with West Ham.
Watch the full documentary below