Speaking just after he put pen to paper to finalise his move from Leeds United on Wednesday afternoon, he says: "It has dragged on a bit but I am here now and I can't wait to get going."
Other recent suitors for his signature included Sunderland, Birmingham, and Middlesbrough, but he says: "There were a few clubs that came in but West Ham was the most appealing to me.
"It is the team I support and that is why I have come here. I said when I was to leave Leeds it was going to take something special - and there is nothing more special than to come to the team you have supported as a kid.
"I can't be any happier than I am at the moment - I am back with family and friends to play with the club I supported as a kid and I am going to try and help us avoid relegation.
"I think it is a good challenge and I wouldn't like to see the club go down so if I have got the chance to come here and help in any way I can I am going to do it - I am following my heart."
Lee reveals that, despite his respect for his new boss Glenn Roeder, that wasn't the only factor in joining.
"He didn't have to sell West Ham to me because I love the club - so that wasn't an issue at all," he smiles.
"I know what team they have got and what spirit they have got. I remember coming here with Leeds earlier in the season when we were 4-1 up and they pulled it back to 4-3.
"I thought West Ham were going to win as well!
"It was a very good game; it was nervy in the end but it was good - but that is in the past now.
"So I know what they are capable of and I don't want to see West Ham get relegated."
Lee has been impressed by what Glenn has had to say to him, though, and he adds: "He said they are a great bunch of lads who work hard and whose heads won't go down. They just keep going and going and he said by bringing me in, it will hopefully give the other boys a lift and will help us avoid relegation.
"I said I was up for it and pleased to be here -and it will be like winning something if we stay up.
"Hopefully this will put a smile back on my face because I have been injured and it has been disappointing."
Lee also met the chairman, Terence Brown, earlier today, and, although Glenn Roeder was held up in traffic because of the weather, he will speak to him again when he trains on Thursday.
Most of all, though, he is looking forward to saying hello to his new playing colleagues, and he adds: "It is a great midfield and I am looking forward to meeting the players tomorrow.
"I have met some of the lads through playing with England and when you are playing against them you speak to them as well," he says.
With such talent at the squad, though, to what does he ascribe West Ham's position at the foot of the table?
"Luck - I think you need a bit of luck in this game and Leeds didn't have any for a long time this season," he replies.
"Then things turned around at Bolton and I was saying to the manager everything has now changed for Leeds.
"Once you get a bit of that, your confidence goes up I think, and people's confidence could be down a bit at the moment.
"But all you can do is keep working hard and get the support behind you, which is a big factor.
"I have got good experience with Leeds but I am not a world beater - I am going to try as hard as I can, and by coming here I hope I give people a lift.
"A lot is expected but you have to leave it to the performances, hopefully people work well with you, and I have got no doubt that is going to happen."
Lee's arrival could conceivably see him featuring in an England quartet of the not so distant future, and he agrees: "I can't see why not. The others, Michael, Joe, and Trevor, are outstanding players, all good in different ways and I hope they could become England regulars - and me as well."
Lee, who will wear the number five shirt, is certain to figure against Newcastle United on Saturday despite a recent Achilles problem, and he adds: "I have been injured lately which has been frustrating for me so hopefully now it is all behind me and it is a fresh start.
"It is still a bit sore but it will be fine; I still get the odd twinge but you just get on with it.
"I will take one thing at a time to see how things develop but I can't wait to get playing because there are great players at the club."
As for his thoughts regarding activities off the field that have hit the headlines in the past, he says: "At the end of the day I am a footballer and I am coming here to play football so I want to be judged on that.
"I just get on with it and don't bother talking to many people press-wise and I will let my football do the talking.
"I just want to get on with working hard."
Lee's hero when he was a youngster was Billy Bonds, and he explains: "The commitment and the way he played impressed me - and he just gave everything in every game. When people ask that you can't do any more.
"When I was younger I used to come along with my father, but once I started playing I obviously didn't have time to as my own career got started.
"But I always watch out for the results - and my cousin, Ian Tucker, plays for the youth team.
"He is doing all right - and now I will be able to keep a close eye on him!"
And will he be wearing his customary black gloves on Saturday, against, after all, a team that plays in black and white?
"Whatever they give me," he laughs, "because it is freezing at the moment..."