Nocerino - The First Interview

Antonio Nocerino says he has huge motivation to impress after joining West Ham United on loan from AC Milan.

Not only does the Hammers' new No47 want to help the Club climb clear of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone, but the Italy international is determined to force his way into the Azzurri's 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.

Capped 15 times, the 28-year-old midfielder scored a penalty for Italy in their quarter-final win over England at Euro 2012, but for now Nocerino is concentrating all his efforts on helping West Ham's fight for top-flight survival.

A veteran of 221 Serie A and 15 UEFA Champions League appearances, the Napoli-born star spoke to West Ham TV following his first training session at Chadwell Heath.

Antonio, welcome to West Ham United! What is your reaction to joining the Club and moving to London?

AN: "I am very happy because it's a very, very important experience for me, playing for a very traditional and historical Club such as West Ham. It is a great honour."

How did the transfer happen?

AN: "The transfer came about very quickly. A request was made for me to join West Ham and I accepted straight away. I am very pleased to have joined West Ham United."

Are you fit and ready to play immediately?

AN: "I am ready to play and I am happy to play immediately, if the manager wants to put me in the team. I am at the Club's disposal to play me as soon as possible.

"It will maybe take me a little time to settle in, but I am ready to play straight away, if needed."

Antonio Nocerino

Antonio Nocerino talks to West Ham TV

What do you know about West Ham United?

AN: "When I was told I was coming to West Ham, I was already aware of the large following that the Club has in Italy.

"When I realised how big the fanbase is and the traditions and very, very important history that the Club has, I was more than happy to come to England.

"A lot of the traditions of the Club, I learned from the West Ham fans who are already there in Italy."

Antonio Nocerino on his vital Euro 2012 penalty against England!

What qualities will you bring to the squad?

AN: "I am really enthusiastic about playing for West Ham. I am aware of the Barclays Premier League and what will bring with me is my enthusiasm.

"I want to show my qualities on the pitch and not just talk about them. I feel I have got the ability and skill to adapt to the English game and I am confident that, once I am ready to play, I will be able to show the fans what I can do.

"I feel my qualities match what is required in the Barclays Premier League."

Watch Antonio Nocerino's full West Ham TV interview now!

Do you see playing for West Ham as a chance to force your way into the Italy squad for the 2014 World Cup?

AN: "I hope so, I hope so. I hope to get into the Italian squad. One of the reasons I came to West Ham and to the Premier League is to play on a regular basis.

"My first objective is to play for West Ham and help the Club to move up the table. From that, if I am playing well and I get picked to go to the World Cup in Brazil, that will be an added bonus.

"The main priority is to play for West Ham and to move up the table."

Finally, for our supporters, what is your message?

AN: "I hope to give the supporters great satisfaction with the way that I play. I know many supporters come over from Italy to watch our games, so I hope as a player and as a person to make them proud.

"Our fans are colourful and spend a lot of to watch us play, so I want to do the best I can for the fans and for the Club and go from there. I hope my response will be the one they are looking for."