West Ham United's Manuel Lanzini has said revealed he is grateful to the support of the club's fans for helping him settle into life in the Premier League

Feeling at home 

The Argentine became a instant favourite amongst Hammers supporters, spending last season on loan from Al-Jazira, with his seven goals a crucial part in the club's success in their final season at the Boleyn Ground. 

The 23-year-old was rewarded for his efforts with a permanent four-year contract, with the option for a further two years, and ahead of his debut at the London Stadium, Lanzini shared his gratitude for the support that he has received. 

“I'm very grateful to the West Ham fans," Lanzini told the club's official website. "They've always treated me very well since I arrived and I really like them and their passion for the club. They've made me feel at home which is very important." 

The club as a whole has helped him settle too though, as he added: “I'm also very grateful to the board, the coaching staff and my teammates who've helped me settle in and make me feel at home.

“I'm happy to have signed a permanent deal here and will stay here for more years which is what I wanted, so I'm very pleased." 

Lanzini arrived just in time to play at the Boleyn Ground, and now he is excited about playing in West Ham's new surroundings.

“I am excited to be playing at the new stadium. I played in a similar stadium in Argentina in front of 65,000 people and it's brilliant to be on the pitch because you feel the people around you and it's great to be in the stands," he said.

He also believes that the move represents steps forward for the club, adding: “The new stadium takes West Ham to a higher level which is very important.”

Above: Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet in action for West Ham last season | Photo: Getty Images
Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet in action for West Ham last season. | Photo: Getty Images

Striking up a partnership 

Lanzini shone most when linked up with Dimitri Payet, who also had an unbelievable season last year. The Frenchman has yet to really appear for Slaven Bilic's side this season, and Lanzini is hoping that they can strike up a similar partnership once again. 

“Dimi and I get on very well," he said.

"He has a great personality. He's a great player and when I'm on the pitch, I always try to link up with him because I know he's the player who can make the difference and can play that pass which means the rest of us enjoy ourselves." 

He concluded: “It went quite well for us last year and we hope to continue in that vein so that we give the West Ham fans many more happy moments.”

West Ham United will take on Watford at the London Stadium on Saturday, September 10 with kick-off at 3pm BST. 

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About the author
Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.