Last Updated: Sat, 06 Sep 2008 11:15
Former striker and managerial candidate Paolo Di Canio says the West Ham shirt "still feels like a second skin".
The 40-year-old was a huge hit with the fans at Upton Park during his spell there between 1999 and 2003 and has confirmed he is interested in becoming the successor to Alan Curbishley following his resignation on Wednesday.
Di Canio, who gained his Uefa coaching licence in April, told the Sun: "West Ham is a unique club and history means something. The fact we've had so few managers and the fact the vast majority were former players is important.
"For me the shirt still feels like a second skin and I've followed West Ham as a fan ever since I left. I saw them play twice last season and know some of the players personally.
"Of course, as a professional, I'm going to consider every offer. But the fact that I've been linked to the West Ham job is a huge source of pride for me."