Marko Arnautovic Looks Forward to Playing With New Club West Ham United After Sealing Transfer
On Saturday, Stoke City forward Marko Arnautovic signed for London club West Ham United on a five-year contract for a reported club record fee of £20m with a rise in add ons.
The Austrian winger will join Slaven Bilic's men on Monday when they train in Germany ahead of their pre-season match against Arnautovic's former team Werder Bremen.
In an interview with West Ham United's official website, Arnautovic said that he couldn't wait to start his career with the Hammers, praising the manager for the given opportunity.
“The manager gives me a good feeling for the Club and for myself, that I can improve here. I didn’t have to think long to take this opportunity.
“I spoke also to my family and everyone – everyone was happy that the agreement was done with West Ham and now we can’t wait to get started at this Club."
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Arnautovic likes West Ham United's system with the players that they have signed this year and hopes the Stratford-based side will be able to compete with the top half of the Premier League next season with a fit squad; trying his best to impress with his contribution to the team.
“West Ham have a lot of quality players here. When you look at the squad, every player is one who is in that bracket. Now, Joe Hart and Zabaleta have come in as well. They have a lot of experience in the Premier League, they have played for Man City and are top players.
“I think we are going to make a good season, and I hope that everyone stays healthy, without injuries and we can show some good football.
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“I will try to do my best here and I hope to celebrate some success [at West Ham].”
Arnautovic is looking forward in getting to know his team mates before the clash with Werder Bremen as well as being able to walk out to the pitch at the London stadium with a West Ham shirt come August.
“The first thing is that I’m happy to join the team on Monday and fly with them over to Germany. Then, it’s come like that that I’ll be playing against my former club first up, but the most important thing is to get to know the players better and the Club and try to settle as quickly as possible in the squad. Then everything will go from there.
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“I’ve been in many stadiums, and many nice ones, but when I came to London Stadium to watch West Ham play Stoke, it was impressive. All the Bubbles, and all the fans cheering, it was a nice feeling. When you are a player at this Club and you play in front of 57,000 people every second weekend, it’s amazing.”
Arnautovic scored six goals and created 50 chances in his last season with the Potters.
