West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of France international Morgan Amalfitano.
The 29-year-old, who can play in a variety of midfield roles, has linked up with the Hammers from French Ligue 1 club Olympique de Marseille on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.
Amalfitano spent last season on loan at Barclays Premier League side West Bromwich Albion, for whom he scored four goals in 31 appearances. After completing his deadline-day move to east London, the Nice-born player told West Ham TV he is looking forward to his second crack at English football.
"It's very good news and I'm very happy to come to this big club," he began. "I've waited a long time, but I am very happy to have signed here. The Club wanted me a lot and for that I waited for West Ham and now I'm here.
"The manager explained to me how the team plays and how he needs me. I explained to him where I prefer as my position in his team. This is a new team with very good players with great experience of this league. I think everything can go well and I hope we have a good season.
"I prefer to play behind the striker, but last year with West Brom I played on the right. I like to cross the ball too, but I can also give through passes from behind the striker. The coach will see what happens in every game and if he finds another position for me in the team, there is no problem for me.
"I enjoyed my first year in English football and for that reason I have come back and hopefully I can improve again. The first year was good for my experience and I will try to help West Ham now by giving my best and continue to improve in this league. I like this country and this is the best league."
Able to play in central midfield, behind the central striker or out wide, Amalfitano came through the same AS Cannes academy that produced France internationals Zinedine Zidane, Patrick Vieira and Gael Clichy.
At 18, he moved to Sedan, where he began his professional career in 2003. In five seasons, he totalled 137 appearances before moving to Lorient in the summer of 2008.
Amalfitano discovered his goalscoring touch in Brittany, netting 15 goals in 121 games in all competitions and attracting the attention of some of France's biggest clubs.
The summer of 2011 saw Marseille snap him up on a free transfer. Amalfitano's debut for the club saw him win the Champions' Trophy as Marseille defeated Ligue 1 champions Lille 5-4 in Morocco.
The 2011/12 season also ended with a trophy as he played the full 120 minutes in a 1-0 extra-time victory over Lyon in the French League Cup final. The same campaign saw Amalfitano win his first cap for France in a 2-1 friendly victory over Germany.
The 2013/14 campaign saw the midfielder move to The Hawthorns on a season-long loan. Amalfitano capped an impressive first season in English football with an outstanding individual goal in West Brom's 2-1 victory at Manchester United a year ago. He would love nothing more than to repeat that experience when West Ham travel to Old Trafford on 27 September.
"I hope so! It was a fantastic game for our team and if I can do that again I would do so with pleasure. For the time being, I need to work with this team and win as many games as I can for West Ham."