Manuel Lanzini is hopeful of following in the footsteps of one of his famous countrymen at the Boleyn Ground.
The 22-year-old Argentine, who arrived on loan from UAE side Al Jazira last week, is well aware of the impact that Carlos Tevez had at West Ham United and wants to perform to as high a level.
With just two weeks to go until the start of the Barclays Premier League campaign, Lanzini cannot wait to get going with his new Club.
“I know the Club from Argentinian players, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez,” he explained. “I know that the fans are very supportive, the team is very competitive and this is all important to a player’s development.
“Tevez is an amazing player. He made history here but we are very different players. I am here to try to make my own history for this Club and have a place in the heart of the fans.
“First of all, I want to settle here, this is a very difficult and competitive league. It’s then about being at the same level as my teammates and getting into the starting XI as quickly as I can.
“I have already spoken with the manager. I told him I was looking forward to starting training, to getting fit and getting up to speed with my colleagues. It was great to have a chat with him.”
With the Stadium move a year away and European football to aim for this season, Lanzini says this is an exciting period for the Hammers.
He added: “I’m looking forward to it [my first game at the Boleyn Ground] a lot. I am waiting for that day, to come to the stadium and play for West Ham.
“I knew about the new Stadium for next year but I prefer to think about the present. Right now, I’m only concentrating on starting training and getting fit.
“Yes, [the Europa League was part of the decision] but it’s not the only factor. To play in Europe is good for any player but there were a lot of incentives to help me make the decision.
“They [the fans] can expect the maximum from me. I will try to achieve what they want and I’m obviously looking forward to playing for West Ham.”
Buy your tickets for the visit of FC Astra on Thursday now! Adult tickets are priced at just £10 and Under-16s £5 at whufcboxoffice.com
The 22-year-old Argentine, who arrived on loan from UAE side Al Jazira last week, is well aware of the impact that Carlos Tevez had at West Ham United and wants to perform to as high a level.
With just two weeks to go until the start of the Barclays Premier League campaign, Lanzini cannot wait to get going with his new Club.
“I know the Club from Argentinian players, Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez,” he explained. “I know that the fans are very supportive, the team is very competitive and this is all important to a player’s development.
“Tevez is an amazing player. He made history here but we are very different players. I am here to try to make my own history for this Club and have a place in the heart of the fans.
“First of all, I want to settle here, this is a very difficult and competitive league. It’s then about being at the same level as my teammates and getting into the starting XI as quickly as I can.
“I have already spoken with the manager. I told him I was looking forward to starting training, to getting fit and getting up to speed with my colleagues. It was great to have a chat with him.”
With the Stadium move a year away and European football to aim for this season, Lanzini says this is an exciting period for the Hammers.
He added: “I’m looking forward to it [my first game at the Boleyn Ground] a lot. I am waiting for that day, to come to the stadium and play for West Ham.
“I knew about the new Stadium for next year but I prefer to think about the present. Right now, I’m only concentrating on starting training and getting fit.
“Yes, [the Europa League was part of the decision] but it’s not the only factor. To play in Europe is good for any player but there were a lot of incentives to help me make the decision.
“They [the fans] can expect the maximum from me. I will try to achieve what they want and I’m obviously looking forward to playing for West Ham.”
Buy your tickets for the visit of FC Astra on Thursday now! Adult tickets are priced at just £10 and Under-16s £5 at whufcboxoffice.com