"It wasn't easy but she just kept going" - Serena Williams' life story remains the most inspiring, says West Ham player Viviane Asseyi
West Ham United player Viviane Asseyi has revealed that Serena Williams' life story inspired her the most.
There is no denying the fact that Williams' journey through struggles and hardships has touched millions of lives all around the world. The American's path to glory has been nothing short of sensational.
Not only has she dominated the sport for a long time, the 23-time Grand Slam champion pioneered a considerable impact on society across several important matters through her vision and ideologies.
As part of Women's Day (March 8), West Ham United players Viviane Asseyi and Alphonse Areola divulged the female figures that have inspired their lives. Asseyi maintained that several women have influenced her journey, however, it was Williams' life story that she liked the most.
"There are a lot but I like Serena Williams [on the woman that has inspired her] because, I watched a bit of her story and it wasn't easy, her life, but she just kept going. She wanted to show everyone, I'm a woman and I'm powerful, so I like her," she said.
Meanwhile, Areola echoed Asseyi's words, affirming that the former World No. 1 was an influential figure. Apart from the American, Areola named his mother, wife and three daughters as the other women that made an impact on the goalkeeper's life.
"I think she's [Asseyi] right. Serena Williams! After I'd say... my mum, obviously. She pushed me, she always believed in me and then my wife and obviously my three girls. I have three girls, full of women at home, so I'm happy with that," expressed the French goalkeeper.
🗣 "There are a lot but I like Serena Williams."
Viviane Asseyi and Alphonse Areola highlight women that have inspired them in their journey https://t.co/9EpnMF9rJZ
Alphonse Areola represents the West Ham United men's team and plays as a goalkeeper, whereas Asseyi dons the role of a forward in the women's team.
West Ham player Michail Antonio wears jersey with Serena Williams' name as a tribute on Women's Day
West Ham United star player Michail Antonio recently wore a jersey with Serena Williams' name to honor the American as part of International Women's Day.
To mark the annual celebration of the women's rights movement, West Ham players wore training tops with names of women on the back that inspired their lives. While 15 players paid tribute to their mothers, Antonio decided to give an accolade to the former tennis player.
Reflecting on the motive behind choosing Williams for the special training tops, Antonio opined that the American strongly influenced everyone to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams.
"Serena was arguably the greatest tennis player of her generation, and really showed what you can do if you put your mind to something and believe in yourself. Her achievements speak for themselves really. She is such a talented individual," the 32-year-old said according to the club's statement.
Michail Antonio currently plays as a centre-forward for West Ham United and the Jamaican national team.