Thomas Hitzlsperger has spoken to WHUTV about settling into life at West Ham United after his summer move to the Boleyn Ground.
The Germany midfielder - nicknamed 'Der Hammer' because of his powerful left foot - joined up with his new team-mates for the first time this week and has wasted no time in becoming one of the group. Although he only knew Carlton Cole from his time at Aston Villa, Hitzlsperger said he had received a warm welcome from everyone.
"It has been fantastic," he said during a break from double training at Chadwell Heath. "I have had a good long summer and since I signed I have been looking forward to the first day and being here training with the lads. There is a good atmosphere at the training ground and I am just looking forward to the new season.
"It is exciting to meet my new team-mates. I knew Carlton Cole when we played together at Aston Villa and I knew a few of the other guys that I have played against. It is always interesting. You get to know the players, they are all very nice kindly guys and hopefully we are going to have good success."
SIGN UP TO WHUTV NOW TO HEAR MORE FROM DER HAMMER INCLUDING:
* GOING BACK TO GERMANY FOR A TRAINING CAMP
* THE NEW MANAGER
* EARLY HOPES FOR NEXT SEASON