West Ham United's new addition, Havard Nordtveit has said that there are "exciting times" ahead as the Hammers begin pre-season training.

Relishing the opportunity

The Norway international was Slaven Bilic's first signing of the summer, coming in from Borussia Mönchengladbach on a free. He joined his new team-mates on Friday, as they began their pre-season training - ahead of their tour of America - and Nordtveit said that he is looking forward to get going at the club.

He told whufc.com that he was a "bit nervous at the start" but said that it looks a "really good group" of players and is "looking forward" to playing for the Hammers.

Nordtveit continued, saying these are "exciting times" for the club with the "fantastic" new stadium adding that he "can't wait to play there".

On the subject of competition for places, he said that he is "here to play" as much as he can as there is a "big battle" for places "all over the pitch". The Norwegian added that he will do his "best" and see when the "season starts".

Above: West Ham United's Martin Samuelsen in action for loan club Peterborough United last season | Photo: The Express
Above: West Ham United's Martin Samuelsen in action for loan club Peterborough United last season | Photo: The Express

Cementing his place

​Another Norwegian who is looking to make an impression, is young winger Martin Samuelsen.

The 19-year-old was on loan at Peterborough United last season, and made his senior international debut this summer. Samuelsen said he wants to carry that momentum into his domestic game.

Samuelsen admitted that he was "very excited" and "glad to be back" and is "raring to go" as he is "looking forward to training again".

He continued saying he will "know more" about his season ambitions when "pre-season is done" with his "main focus" to "do as best" as he can in the pre-season period.

West Ham United will take on the Seattle Sounders at the CenturyLink Field on Wednesday, July 6 with kick-off at 3:30am 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.