Edouard, who has signed on a year's loan with a view to a permanent deal, is a veteran of UEFA Cup and Champions' League games with Paris St Germain, and says: "I hope West Ham make Europe this season - and I will do my best to help them win every week.
"The Premiership is the most exciting championship and I am really looking forward to playing for West Ham."
Edouard sought the advice of former loanee Kaba Diawara before coming to Upton Park, and says: "He said good things about the club and that made my choice very simple."
As well as Kaba, now at Nice, Edouard knows Sebastien Schemmel and Fredi Kanoute, with whom he played in the French under-21 side.
"Sebastien is a very nice guy," says Edouard, "and I know Fredi from the under-21s.
"I played with him for France up to three years ago, for a period of two years, and we would love to play for the full side - but it will be difficult with the talent France has.
"I know Nigel Winterburn as well, and have seen West Ham on television in France - I know they are a good young team.
"They have kept their good players this summer and that is why I decided to come here, and I have seen the stadium as well and I like that.
"With the likes of Joe Cole and Michael Carrick I think we can have a good season."
Explaining his reasons for leaving PSG, Edouard says: "It was a surprise in a way coming to West Ham but I had told PSG I wanted to know another kind of football after four years playing hard with them.
"They said 'okay, you are a good guy that has given us excellent service, we will let you go' and I was pleased that they did.
"I definitely want to stay here beyond the loan period and for many years beyond that."