Having struggled with Łukasz Fabiański's fitness last season, West Ham United's boss, David Moyes, has decided to strengthen that position by adding the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, Alphonse Areola, to his roster.

The Frenchman, who impressed immensely while on loan at Fulham FC in the 2020/21 Premier League season, has joined the Hammers on a season-long loan with an option to buy for a rumoured fee of £11m.

And that's what the ex-Real Madrid and Villareal goalkeeper had to say after putting a signature to the deal talking with whufc.com:

"I can’t wait to start!"

“I’m happy,” said Areola. “For me it was the best opportunity to sign for this Club, to sign for West Ham and to try my best to help the team.

“London is a great place to live and to work as well, and obviously the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world so I really enjoyed it last season" added the three-time Ligue 1 winner. "It was tough for me and the team, but I enjoyed playing in the Premier League. We were without the fans, but this year we will have the fans back so I can’t wait to see the atmosphere.

“West Ham did a big season last year. Obviously, we have the UEFA Europa League and the Premier League and the two cups, so it will be a tough season and a long season but I think we’re going to enjoy it all together.

“We have a really good squad. I watched games last season so I know the potential and the talent in this squad, so I can’t wait to start.”
 

West Ham's newest addition put a lot of emphasis on wanting to help the team, not looking for personal accolades.

"The first thing is to think about the team. Obviously, the manager will make the decisions and we will have to respect them and help the team. That’s the main thing, to try to help the team and be the best.” he said.

“I won trophies, but I am here to try to help, to give my best every day in training and of course when you’re in competitions like the Premier League, the Europa League and the cups, you have to give your best every day and in every game to win titles. The ambitions of the club are here and I’m going to give my best to try to reach that.”

Ambition and playing at the London Stadium

The 'keeper also said good things about West Ham's ground, the London Stadium.

“I played last year in London Stadium and it was empty but huge, so I can imagine when the supporters will be back and I think they will be a big part of our success as well. I am happy to be here, to be in the Premier League, to feel this atmosphere and see the supporters in the stadium.”

“My first day I did my medical stuff and when I came in, I felt the Club is one of the clubs that will be important in the league. We are already important, but even more this season, especially in the Europa League, so I’m going to give my best in training and be ready for the games,”
added Areola, after being asked about the quality of the project that's being built in East London.

What can Hammers fans expect?

There is a lot of things to be expected from such an accolated goalkeeper, but there is a very good chance that he will deliver in all fronts.

To read more about what everyone can expect from the three-time French international, I recommend reading this article, written at VAVEL.com.

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