West Ham United FC

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Ilunga keen to leave Hammers

05 Dec 2008 - 09:09:06

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West Ham United left-back Herita Ilunga has admitted that he sees the club as a stepping stone before he moves to a bigger team.

The 26-year-old has made 12 appearances for the Hammers so far this term following his season-long loan switch from Toulouse in the summer but has described the club as a 'second-rate' football team.

Ilunga said: "Without being derogatory, West Ham are a second-rate club.

"Let's not kid ourselves, we aren't an Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea.

"But West Ham have values and history. They have developed Joe Cole and Frank Lampard, and they're a club where people know their football.

"Once I've proved myself in a team such this, I can hope to make the step up to another club.

"I will either stay at West Ham or else join another English club. I'm really keen to continue my adventure in England."