Hitzlsperger joins Hammers
West Ham have announced the signing of Germany
midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger.
The 28-year-old will join the club on a free transfer on July 1
following the expiry of his contract at Italian side Lazio.
Hitzlsperger has previous experience of the Barclays Premier
League having spent four years at Aston Villa between 2001 and
2005.
Hitzlsperger, who has agreed a three-year deal, becomes the
first new arrival at Upton Park this summer as the club bid to
rebuild after narrowly avoiding relegation last term.
Changes are afoot at the Hammers with Avram Grant due to be
installed as manager later this month subject to a work permit, and
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan expressed his satisfaction with
the direction the club is taking.
"I am delighted to welcome Thomas to the club," Sullivan said on
www.whufc.com.
"We had to move quickly to secure his services when he became
available, especially as there was understandably so much interest
in him from around Europe and back in Germany.
"I am especially pleased that he is excited by what we are
trying to achieve here at West Ham.
"He is the first of many signings this summer. We are going to
sign a mixture of exciting young talent as well as the very best
senior pros who can add real strength to the squad like Thomas.
"He is still a young man but has massive experience."
The Press Association
