"I turned down Sir Alex because I'm West Ham through and through" ⚽ Paolo Di Canio | Up Front

In this week’s episode we are joined by a Premier League icon, who was known for his beautiful goals, controversy, fall outs and a fiery Italian passion.
Paolo Di Canio started his career at his boyhood team Lazio before plying his trade at a selection of Italian football’s biggest clubs. He went on to achieve legendary status at West Ham United after cementing himself as one of the game’s most volatile yet entertaining talents during his spells at Celtic & Sheffield Wednesday.
His management career was more of the same and in this sit-down, Paolo joins the show to discuss the controversial and sublime moments that punctuated his career.
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Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.
#simonjordan #football #westham
00:00 Paolo Di Canio podcast begins
01:00 Introduction to Paolo Di Canio
02:10 Paolo Di Canio’s journey
06:51 Paolo’s temperament growing up
09:04 Di Canio’s time in Italian football
12:05 Moving to Celtic
20:33 Refusing to come off the pitch for West Ham
22:36 ‘That’ Push
27:50 Martin Keown
29:55 Was the penalty for the push ‘fair’
31:19 What’s his views on his past experiences?
38:34 Wes Foderingham
41:10 Sunderland
50:19 West Ham
56:24 Political Allegiances & Mancini going to Saudi Arabia

[@jamesrichardson3500]

His managerial record was outstanding. 30 years ago he'd have been a hero. The world is too weak for his genius nowadays. What a bloke.

[@TORRES999ify]

What, at league two swindon? Went to sunderland and won 3 games from 13 before being sacked. Hasn't had a job since

[@peterryan7889]

Kept those wasters up

[@leskeen1179]

@@peterryan7889 Mags 0 Wasters 3 that's all that matters.

[@samprizeman4509]

Do you mean Di Canio or the bottle job

[@BrianBoru5523]

@@TORRES999ify Lost 5 of his first 6 at Swindon, how did that work out?

[@livin90proof]

I watched Paolo at Upton Park as a teenager and he lit the pitch up , my favourite west ham player of all time 💯🔥

[@thunderjoy7250]

Shame he never wanted to turn up to away games 😂😂😂😂

[@dannygray-mi3xn]

Italians, don't ya just love em? I love their passion.

[@JackVR123]

my best celtic player of all time ,i went to nearly every game when he was there ,only if he stayed 1 more season he wouldv played with larsson

[@kevwhufc8640]

Di Canio , infuriating in many ways, but on his day could win a game almost on his own, unbelievable skills, some amazing goals, for all his good & occasional bad moments , He'll always be one of my all time favourite westham players. ⚒

[@TheGeneral_LUFC]

What a legend

[@ath7616]

It is a shame that his managerial career didn’t continue. A quality player and manager. The sport needs characters like him.

[@Nocomments666]

He's a character not a manager.

[@darraghryan5599]

Simon the podcast is genuinely unbelievable. Not enough people like you. Keep it up

[@ruskoruskov3086]

One of the few interviews that requires part 2

[@adamlees8410]

As a West ham fan my two greatest memories of Paulo was when he turned Martin Keown inside out at Upton park and of course the flying scissor kick against Wimbledon. He still remains the greatest player I've seen in a West Ham shirt.

[@keithgoodrick-meech3921]

Keown regularly slags the Hammers off, purely because Di Canio made him look like a Sunday pub player 😊

[@peternagy-im4be]

​@@keithgoodrick-meech3921Keown was a donkey 🫏

[@NoxiousRob]

My eyes lit up when I saw that Paulo was the guest for this episode, and it was every bit as good as I hoped it would be.

[@Baldrick_dogsbody]

paolo : LEGEND. not many players can say they are a legend at west ham. but paolo can. you are always welcome back anytime at west ham and the east end of london.

[@antony3378]

The last time I looked, Marbella was in Spain.

[@oliverwoodcock5307]

One of, if not my favourite opposition player to watch of all time. Supremely talented. As an everton fan, I will always remember him catching the ball when Paul Gerrard went down injured. Absolute gem 💎

[@JackTheladd]

That's my first image when his name is mentioned. Pure class move.

[@contactlight8079]

Di Canio will always be West Ham. We always sing his name.

[@TheGeneral_LUFC]

What a legend

[@silkyammer]

One of the Greatest players to wear the claret & blue shirt ! An absolute Genius ⚒️⚒️⚒️

[@andyg6967]

The most entertaining player I’ve ever seen in a West Ham shirt,he drove me nuts at times but lit the place up like no one else I ever saw,I was at that Bradford game and he was unreal in every respect,total genius and I love him.❤⚒

[@paulheseltine1792]

Love the Harry Redknapp impression. In todays game with VAR all 3 would've been 100% penalties against Bradford that day.

[@Mackem67]

AS A SUNDERLAND FAN... NOW WE KNOW THE TRUTH PAULO.......I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AT OUR CLUB❤️🤍❤️🤍❤️🤍❤️🤍

[@Ironworx_ScaleModels]

My West Ham Hero and Legend, he gave me some unbelievable memories at Upton Park.

[@bradquirk8100]

My favourite West Ham player of all time! Such ability, personality and passion ⚒️

[@kullylidder6553]

❤️ My hero! Best player I have ever seen play for the hammers. I even named my son Paolo⚒️⚒️

[@essbee2316]

I have followed West Ham since 70’s and Paolo is right up there as one of my favourite players. ⚒⚒⚒ Great Interview!

[@johnneil14]

Loved him at Sunderland. Will remember that knee slide forever.

[@Brownalebelly]

I'm a Newcastle supporter, but that is the sort of passion every true football lover dreams of their manager having. Lots of respect for Di Canio and he was one hell of a footballer.

[@davidquinn7144]

First time Simon can’t get a word in . He’s a maniac.

[@Footystickersuk]

Not a bad thing!

[@seanfoxtruman]

Fantastic footballer loved by West Ham fans ✊🙏

[@Remnants100]

All Everton fans hold Paolo up as the finest example of sportsmanship ever witnessed at Goodison Park.

[@bradquirk8100]

I'm a Hammer and that moment still fills my heart with love. They don't make them like him anymore 👏

[@kevwhufc8640]

At the time I was angry he didn't head it in the goal , we needed all 3 points .. But afterwards I appreciated his concern for their injured keeper, he won the fifa fair play award for doing that , Not many players have a tattoo of a club they played for He has a full sized old school westham crest with castle and crossed hammers tattoo on inside of his upper arm . 🎵 Paolo di Canio, 🎵 Paolo di Canio ⚒ #COYI

[@markluxon5044]

When we signed him I thought christ a lazy fancy Dan foreigner. Then I saw him at Leicester a couple weeks after we signed him and I was blown away. Loved Julian Joe Cole and rice but nobody will top Paolo

[@wayneholloway9291]

Westham legend always have special relationship with us irons magnifico

[@Dpul945]

I could listen to Paulo all day, what a character, what great value, family and honour and self belief. Characteristics that are lacking in so many footballers and people these days

[@PaulWilday]

What a legend! Thanks for the great memories Paolo ⚒❤

[@craigshurmur6132]

Thank you for doing this interview I absolutely adore this man he is the only player I hold is as high a regard as Julian dicks who I’ve seen play live

[@togsy5901]

What a brilliant interview. What a man, Dicanio!

[@Twads1867]

The Wednesday board should have should by him. Him leaving SWFC ultimately led to our downfall and we’re still feeling the effects 25yrs later. One of the best to ever play at Hillsborough - thank you Paolo

[@Polo-xm9xk]

Sorry for SW but the manager you had at the time was weak. The one who also managed Barnsley. No spine. Redknapp would have fought to keep Paolo ⚒️

[@Poikka65]

First things first i hope Simon Jordan is doing well after his cancer . My sister in-law has a fast track stage 2 cancer of the lung 🫁 operation today , so we are praying 🙏 as a family today that it goes well . Now to Di canio this man is deffo 100% a lengend west ham player , absolutely. Loved this man as a west ham player . Love this man for being a kind ❤️ human being .

[@kk_2753]

I can't help but love Paolo. Aside from being a West Ham fan, he just has a great charisma. Also, how well does he look? Great stuff.

[@edwardargles9329]

He is a proper Italian and a proper legend. The way he looks at the world is so different and refreshing to how we do in the UK!

[@harrys1505]

And a proper fascist.

[@jamesknapp4309]

⁠@@harrys1505how is he a fascist?

[@harrys1505]

@@jamesknapp4309 It's not my job to educate you.....go do that for yourself.

[@jamesknapp4309]

@@harrys1505 why not just say you don’t know?

[@Micfri300]

​@harrys1505 so what if he is? Did mussolini put Jews in concentration camps before Hitler forced him to? Fascism is our culture is superior to yours.

[@alexolley4142]

From everyone who watches all these interviews and most of what talksport put out when Simon is on, I just wanted to say thank you for all the hours of great content you’ve given us and it’s very much appreciated!! Keep it up Simon and everyone once in a while no one would blame you if you have Jim a little slap every now and then 😂

[@NOBODY-cn6fj]

Simon is the one who needs a slap ! On behalf of everyone

[@Jimboslice35]

@@sids61😂😂😂😂

[@ryanmichael7795]

Cant wait for simon to fart so you can finally fall out of his arse

[@jamesmellars6473]

Legend of a player , was fantastic at SWFC in the good times. Very honest interview

[@stephengreen6683]

Don’t speak for others - height of arrogance

[@danbrooke2618]

Dont think there is a more passionate footballer that has ever been in the game.

[@Remnants100]

(LFC fan) Really enjoyed this conversation with Paolo who is still full of passion for the game. Simon gave him full rein to both express and explain his complicated character. The incident when Alex Ferguson came to call speaks volumes for the love he genuinely holds for West Ham.

[@Polo-xm9xk]

West Ham United legend. Up there with Moore, Hurst, Brooking etc ⚒️

[@Polo-xm9xk]

@@Pseudonym-aka-alias yes mate, imdeed 👍🏼

[@Nikboyle]

Fantastic bloke ! We need more of this in the PL today and less designer man bags and £1000 haircuts

[@paulodingle2142]

Love Paolo he was spot on about the players at Sunderland shame he wasn’t allowed to get his own. Will never forget that derby win thank you Paolo ❤️

[@amc5966]

Went to a Celtic match when he first arrived on these isles. He wore gold boots. He was just breathtaking. Never seen a player as good since. He knocked a 30 yard pass dinking it with his right foot from behind his left foot. A bloody genius. Not quick in any way but just had a 5 yard bubble around him. A genius. A nightmare for opposition but a player that any club would not absolutely adore.

[@AlanKelly-ff7tk]

Shame the Celtic chairman didn’t honour his handshake

[@johngalvin9224]

@@AlanKelly-ff7tk

[@johngalvin9224]

2 sides to every story as Simon said there, Fergus McCann is a hard business but a very honourable man he had to look after his Club Long term, which he did Fergus saved Celtic and left them in great health when he left after 5 years the club are reaping the rewards to this day. Paulo while no one questions his talent, had problems at multiple clubs always need the right sort of manager to mind him.

[@lewyevans757]

I reckon this one will top the lot. Cannot wait!!

[@feanorwerm]

Absolutely loved this

[@PRCOM]

Brilliant chat simon, di canio is a true legend. This episode was well worth waiting for

[@scoonboon]

He was SPOT ON with the Sunderland players. We battled relegation for years.. eventually dropping 2 leagues. It was down to those players. They didn’t care. They were not ambitious. They basically took the p|ss. Paulo knew. A damn shame the club didn’t back him.

[@markdavies1981]

Very true, half of the players have been on under the cosh podcast crying about Dicanio. They have loads of stories about being drunk every night tho 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Richarddon1383]

I’ve never supported any of the teams he’s played for, but what a player and character he was 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@just2cool111]

I’m not a West Ham fan but this guy is a true legend and a gentleman ynwa

[@joecurran2811]

A fascist?

[@bigduphusaj162]

​@@joecurran2811you sound a leftist. Therfore the biggest fascists about. Have a look at your own "cancel" behaviour then check the defenition of fascism.

[@daniellastuart3145]

​@@joecurran2811if football fans can still support a player the beats up he girlfriend then you can get over a player politics

[@mrj8856]

One of the most talented players that played the game. With the right mentality he would have been a lot more successful. Enjoyed the memories he gave us at Hillsborough! Swfc

[@lovecm3637]

Its that mentality though that made him unpredictable and a renegade not a yes man robot like most people in the limelight are like these days He is a great character

[@redzbass6254]

Yeh him & Carbone were a great tandem 💯

[@peter100124]

Fabulous interview Paolo is a proper legend what a genius of a player one of the best players I've ever seen at West Ham

[@E20ZoneTV]

Hero and legend of west ham united Love this man forever ❤️

[@ianandrews7559]

legend as swindon manager also

[@wizzkidde5]

And fascist

[@MrBillUp]

🥰

[@MrBillUp]

@@wizzkidde5 Nationalist.

[@ianandrews7559]

three points is the main thing

[@williamwillis5729]

Old Harry Redknapp must've thought all all his Christmases had come at once when he got Paolo for what £1.5m? Same year Liverpool paid more than 10 times that for Emil Heskey!

[@jamiewm]

Along with Dimitri Payet easily the best 2 players I have ever had the pleasure to watch in the claret & blue.

[@mattmorgan4083]

Joe Cole?

[@Polo-xm9xk]

Better than Cole. Tevez and Paqueta more recently have come close ⚒️

[@bombergun]

Seen him at Celtic in the 90s what a fucking player !! Genius 😅

[@markdavidson9743]

Still couldn't win titles with him though

[@stephenmcewan9995]

What a guy!! One of my favourite footballers ever. Love the way he speaks - so eloquent. And the comment on Padel with Simon “I’ll destroy you” 😂😂. Legend

[@bradquirk8100]

I loved that too! I wanna know the result when they play 👍

[@caseyquirke9903]

Paolo will batter him

[@bigcee3338]

Loved this one, go as far to say possibly the best yet... Respect from Thailand

[@NH-bz9jv]

Diehard Chelsea fan here but always loved watching DiCanio play, absolute genius👍

[@dannyward673]

My hero 🙌🏼⚒ he was magical on the pitch

[@rcmoko]

What a legend … from a Liverpool supporter YNWA Paulo one of a generation talents

[@WestHamGreenwood]

whilst my Dad made me watch west ham, Paolo made me keep watching

[@wayneb251]

It's the mark of the great man, that even now that PdC remains an honest and genuine human being - something that is very rare. A true legend of the game, thank you Paulo.

[@ArthurDaley1]

Absolute Cult Hero of mine and many more Hammers. Glad I had the pleasure of watching him week in and week out at Upton Park. Big Love Paolo

[@JRA73]

Si Ferry's stories about DiCanio and Thomas Gravesen are hilarious, when he was at Celtic and Swindon. 😂

[@mikipiediaelburro7588]

Paulo is an absolute legend...totally honest and plays with passion and integrity.Its a shame he hasn't had a good managerial career..⚒️⚒️

[@snookerstones]

Can’t help but like him, in the time before society was soft he’d of been a great manager, he did good jobs

[@dudebro3250]

Respect for him for being a nationalist. It's not about hating anyone, it's about taking care of your own kind.

[@tobyadams7206]

Paolo was made for West Ham. West Ham was made for Paolo. Legend icon Hammer ⚒🙌🏻

[@bradquirk8100]

So true!

[@seanconroy6940]

Absolute legend my idol growing up as a hammer ⚒

[@TheGeneral_LUFC]

Im a leeds fan but i always enjoyed watching di canio and joe cole.

[@theronin365]

I'm an Arsenal fan but I loved watching Di Canio and to hear him say he turned down a move to Man Utd twice because he was so proud to be the WHU captain was so cool to see a great player have such loyalty and love for one club. It must make Hammers fans feel proud to here this.

[@johnpickton6071]

I love Paolo, he will always be a West Ham legend. I wished more players had his passion. A beautiful human being.

[@Liryc83]

Great character too.

[@Ashmanx]

We will Probably never see a scissor kick goal like that ever again 🔥

[@renz5497]

What a dream of a podcast. Paolo is a West Ham Icon. Thanks Simon!

[@WestHamThreeHammers]

This man was a genius on the pitch. Love the man...God

[@dinodinarga]

Paolo is amazing human

[@TheWESTSIDE1967]

Unique not just in ability but always gave %100 & very honest player, wish he was still playing with us ⚒

[@peternagy-im4be]

At age 55? Are your club in trouble then?

[@TheWESTSIDE1967]

@@peternagy-im4be if i have to explain then it says it all ?

[@peternagy-im4be]

@TheWESTSIDE1967 go back to bed son and stay there. 😴

[@TheWESTSIDE1967]

@@peternagy-im4be behave boy im 56 now go & stand on the naughty step

[@bufe101]

I am a Roma fan but inexplicable like Him. What a character, what an opponent.

[@wawawswfc4957]

One of the best players to grace Hillsborough.....

[@Footystickersuk]

@@benosemanalways one

[@shahilshah2997]

His Honesty is what makes him a decent MAN

[@adrianlovell8704]

Simon has really begun to hone the skills of interview; he is now capable of elaborating upon answers and really branching out there ,prior to returning to the initial lines of question. I really like and respect this fella . He has improved sports media in my opinion . ..I'd really like him to interview other (sports)journalists and deeply invested parties .i.e. Danny Kelly ( the best in my view , and also a brilliant music journalist to add to sport ) Alan McGhee(he was brilliant on Wv& J), Colin hart , Mick Hennessy,Ron Atkinson ,Phil Taylor ,Eddie Jordan ,Mark Cavendish /Bradley Wiggins , Chris eubanks snr . All be great !! List is endless . Hope the quality continues .👍

[@liamfinn7339]

my hero what a player #10 for a couple of seasons at West ham he was out of this world

[@billgowing7744]

My hero growing up, every time he had the ball it was so exciting. Thanks for the memories Paolo, a true West Ham legend.

[@Ashmanx]

I bet he would be good to have around the West Ham academy or even the first team with the strikers to have a good character like that around

[@richiec1469]

West Ham legend ⚒️

[@alfredlear4141]

You could do a series with Paulo, great guest, great guy

[@stefanbarnes4690]

Only two word to describe Paolo… Hero and God

[@kerrysgold1]

Fantastic chat between these two guys, well done Simon great interview. Paolo needs no encouragement to talk & he talks a lot of sense. Really enjoyed it💚

[@Polo-xm9xk]

Genius & WHU legend. Mislabelled by some, was never a racist, best friends were Foe & Sinclair ⚒️

[@KingTonyB]

I was suppose to be at that West Ham vs Bradford game as a kid for my first home game, my Fathers mate thought it would be a crap game and got the next home game vs Everton instead. So instead of a 7 year old watching an amazing 5-4 win and Paolo doing Paolo things as his hero, i got to watch us get hammered 4 nil, Paolo not play and an Everton player get a hatrick. 😂😂😂

[@dubiousplantdiet]

used to be a cabbie in loughton Paolo used us every day and he treated us with the upmost respect a true gentleman

[@colonelquickshifter6534]

Great player he signed his book for me in london - hero

[@vssjim4311]

Love Paulo... Legend, gentleman, straight

[@nigelwatts6710]

Marvellous football player. Legend ⚒⚒

[@Vargolis]

Chelsea fan here but loved this guy growing up. what a player and joy to watch

[@user-js1iy1jm7p]

I'm a Tottenham fan since 1965...Paolo is still a bigg miss for me. Just LOVE the guy

[@mowvu5380]

di canio is one of my fave players. my dad was a west ham fan so they're always my 2nd team. but paolo is one of a kind lol. nevermind his goals and assists, the time he stopped play for an injured paul gerrard made him a top bloke for me

[@andrewbanks3548]

The legend...Every supporter wants players who care for their club as much as them

[@stewarthenson1892]

Great interview. What a passionate, fiery and funny guy. I was in the crowd when he scored that goal against Wimbledon. Never forgotten that!

[@fmoy8470]

Gotta love the passion from Paolo. Half the footballers these days couldn't give a toss.

[@johnnobrega4767]

Simon , absolutely awesome, thank you !!

[@timsharpen2236]

The great man was a genius on the pitch,I was privileged to have seen him play,yes Paolo was crazy,nuts,passionate,and much more but most genius are like that I'm so pleased he played for us,I met him once and was not disappointed he was full of energy

[@HappilyNorth]

Living legend, massive character, a genius with the ball at his feet, a scorer of magical goals (Rome derby, Wimbledon, Arsenal), a pro's pro, fiercely loyal, born entertainer and maker of divine tiramisu.

[@Polo-xm9xk]

You forgot Chelsea away 2-3 ⚒️

[@elchico1265]

What a man. What a a player. Legend. ⚒️