Boa Morte was roundly booed by large sections of the Boleyn Ground crowd after he was substituted during the 1 – 1 draw with Middlesborough in the FA Cup.
"I just don't understand the boos from the fans for him,” said a puzzled Zola. “He has been fantastic for us and every time he has played he has done a fantastic job for the team.
"In the dressing room he has been great, too. Every manager wants a player like him in their squad. He does not deserve the treatment he is getting right now and, of course, it affects him - it would affect anybody.”
Zola feels that Boa Morte has shown his commitment to the East London side after he turned down a move to Hull City last month. "Luis wanted to prove he can be useful rather than leave. He has my utmost respect."
WEST HAM FANS!
Check FourFourTwo.com’s ever-expandinginterviews archivefor more stuff to read:
Web Exclusives Mark Noble, Les Ferdinand
One on One Les Ferdinand, Paolo di Canio, Gianfranco Zola
My Secret Vice Nolberto Solano, Martin Allen
Ask A Silly Question Sir Geoff Hurst
What Happened Next? Julian Dicks
Sing When You’re Winning Nick Frost
Plus! Mark Noble on Weekend Wonders and West Ham on Talentspotter
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
