Pedro Obiang says he is on track to be fit for the start of pre-season training.
The West Ham United midfielder has been working hard on his rehab after suffering a leg injury in the Premier League defeat by Leicester City at London Stadium in March.
The Spaniard underwent season-ending surgery, but his professional approach and natural athleticism mean he should be ready to go when the Hammers return to the pitch in early July.
“I'm coming back to Rush Green to continue my fitness work in a few days because I have to work for to be ready for the fifth of July,” he told whufc.com on the second anniversary of his arrival in east London.
“I been on holiday with my family and some friends to Mykonos and Athens in Greece, Belgrade in Serbian and Montenegro, which was both interesting and relaxing, but now is the time to think about my work because I want to be ready to train and play.”
I'm coming back to Rush Green to continue my fitness work in a few days because I have to work for to be ready for the fifth of July
Pedro Obiang
Obiang enjoyed a breakthrough 2016/17 season in Claret and Blue, making 30 appearances and scoring his maiden goal in the Premier League win at Southampton.
Reflecting on his opening two years as a Hammer, Obiang cited that goal, as well as the Final Game victory over Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground in May 2016 among his standout moments.
“I have many good memories of my time with West Ham,” he said. “The last game in Upton Park, the atmosphere and everything was amazing, and of course the game in the FA Cup against Liverpool when Angelo Ogbonna scored the winner in the last minute.
“This last season, the best moments were when I scored my first goal and when I saw the videos of the supporters singing my song!”
An all-round midfielder who can break up play and put his own team on the offensive, the 25-year-old is aiming to become a more potent attacking threat next term.
“I have two things to improve,” he confirmed. “I need to shoot more at the goal and give more assists to my teammates.”
One of those teammates will be new signing Pablo Zabaleta, who has agreed to join the Club following a super spell with Manchester City.
Obiang believes the Argentinian full-back will add a great deal to the West Ham squad.
“I think he is a really good player, a nice player,” said the No14. “He has great experience and he can help us to became more solid and competitive.”