Stewart Downing believes he had to leave Liverpool for the good of his career.
The 29-year-old began the season with the Reds but accepted a move to West Ham in August after it became apparent that his first-team opportunities on Merseyside would be limited.
Brendan Rodgers' side has since gone on to light up the Premier League and they currently sit top of the table after yesterday's 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham.
But Downing does not mind that he has swapped a potential title challenge for a relegation battle.
"Good luck to them,'' he told a press conference ahead of the Hammers’ trip to struggling Sunderland tonight.
"The big thing for me was to play. At my age you need to be playing regularly and I've done that when I've been fit here.
"I have no regrets on that part. We've still got Liverpool to come and we might have a say in the title race.''
Indeed, West Ham host Liverpool after playing the Black Cats. The Hammers were booed off following their last match at Upton Park despite winning 2-1.
Sam Allardyce’s men laboured to victory against Hull despite playing against 10 men for much of the match following a 23rd-minute red card for City goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
Some home fans voiced their displeasure at the manner of the performance - even though the three points saw West Ham ease further clear of relegation trouble and into mid-table.
Downing says he is happy to take results over attractive football as the London club fights to retain its Premier League status.
"We found it all a little bit strange, winning the game and getting booed off,'' said Downing speaking ahead of the Sunderland game.
"It's all about results. It wasn't pretty but the big thing is we got the points because it moved us closer to safety.
"In the situation we're in the most important thing was to get the win, especially against a team that was in and around us.
"We just play effective football to get results. There's no point playing good football and getting relegated - I did that with Middlesbrough.
Downing hopes for a more positive reaction from the Upton Park faithful when his former club visit on Sunday.
He said: "You need your fans onside. We've not given them much to shout about and it's been a difficult season.
"They've stuck with us all the way through and I'd ask them to stay with us right till the end. If we keep getting results we'll stay in the Premier League.
"Hopefully the next (home) game, Liverpool, we can give them something to cheer about and all will be forgotten."
The 29-year-old began the season with the Reds but accepted a move to West Ham in August after it became apparent that his first-team opportunities on Merseyside would be limited.
Brendan Rodgers' side has since gone on to light up the Premier League and they currently sit top of the table after yesterday's 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham.
But Downing does not mind that he has swapped a potential title challenge for a relegation battle.
"Good luck to them,'' he told a press conference ahead of the Hammers’ trip to struggling Sunderland tonight.
"The big thing for me was to play. At my age you need to be playing regularly and I've done that when I've been fit here.
"I have no regrets on that part. We've still got Liverpool to come and we might have a say in the title race.''
Indeed, West Ham host Liverpool after playing the Black Cats. The Hammers were booed off following their last match at Upton Park despite winning 2-1.
Sam Allardyce’s men laboured to victory against Hull despite playing against 10 men for much of the match following a 23rd-minute red card for City goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
Some home fans voiced their displeasure at the manner of the performance - even though the three points saw West Ham ease further clear of relegation trouble and into mid-table.
Downing says he is happy to take results over attractive football as the London club fights to retain its Premier League status.
"We found it all a little bit strange, winning the game and getting booed off,'' said Downing speaking ahead of the Sunderland game.
"It's all about results. It wasn't pretty but the big thing is we got the points because it moved us closer to safety.
"In the situation we're in the most important thing was to get the win, especially against a team that was in and around us.
"We just play effective football to get results. There's no point playing good football and getting relegated - I did that with Middlesbrough.
Downing hopes for a more positive reaction from the Upton Park faithful when his former club visit on Sunday.
He said: "You need your fans onside. We've not given them much to shout about and it's been a difficult season.
"They've stuck with us all the way through and I'd ask them to stay with us right till the end. If we keep getting results we'll stay in the Premier League.
"Hopefully the next (home) game, Liverpool, we can give them something to cheer about and all will be forgotten."
