Pablo Zabaleta already feels like a part of the West Ham United family – less than two weeks after training with his new teammates for the first time.
Argentina international Zabaleta, who put pen-to-paper with the Hammers this summer after ending a nine-year spell with Manchester City, has enjoyed the settling in period with his new side as they prepare for the new campaign with an intensive training camp in Austria.
As they get set for their first pre-season fixture, against Sturm Graz II on Monday evening, Zabaleta revealed how much he feels at home.
He explained: “I’m so happy and pleased to have joined West Ham. The ten days we’ve been in training have been fantastic – they are great lads, the manager, his staff and all the people working at the Club seem like nice people.
“Even if it has only been ten days, it seems like I have been training with the lads for a year to be honest. There is a really good atmosphere in the dressing room.
“I had been playing in the Premier League for nine years with Manchester City so I know it really well. It is the greatest competition in the world for sure and you always want to keep playing in competitions like that.
“So when I left City, staying in the Premier League was the first option for me and West Ham were the quickest to express an interest in me. Always as a player you want to feel wanted and that was the main key why I came to West Ham.
“Our commitment as players is to give 100% on the pitch and off it. I do really believe that this a massive club that is looking to do well. I can’t wait for the start of the season.”