Jack Wilshere says he is ready to become an ‘important player’ for West Ham next season.

The Englishman joined his boyhood club last week on a free transfer from Arsenal after ten injury ridden seasons at The Emirates, one of which was spent on-loan with Bournemouth in 2016/17.

However now opening a new chapter of his career at the London Stadium and in the shape of his life, the 26-year-old midfielder says he is determined to succeed with the Hammers under boss Manuel Pellegrini.

“The manager told me the formation he wants to play and the position he wants me to play and that’s one reason why I wanted to be part of it [here at West Ham], because I want to be an important player,” said the new No19.

“He made it clear that he sees me as an important player and it’s down to me to perform in training and perform week-in, week-out to stay in the team.

“It all depends on formation, and I don’t want to give our formation away! It’ll be either deeper or as a number ten. I’ve said before that I like playing deeper but, if we change formation, there will be one or two deeper and one or two going forward, and I don’t mind sitting deeper or going forward.

“I’m excited for the start of the season to see what we can achieve this year.”