West Ham United’s new signing Issa Diop has revealed why he chose to join the Hammers this summer over a number of other interested clubs around Europe.

The 21-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year-deal earlier this week, joining the Hammers from Toulouse for a club-record £22m.

It’s an exciting signing for the Hammers, who have made three signings so far during this summer’s transfer window.

Speaking in his first interview since moving to the London Stadium, Diop revealed why he chose to work with Manuel Pellegrini and West Ham over a host of other interest.

“Manuel Pellegrini is a top coach who has worked at some huge clubs around the world,” Diop told West Ham TV. “I’m looking forward to working with him and showing him what I can do.

“West Ham is a big club and there are a lot of good players here. I hope I can have a good season and help the team get a lot of wins.

“I am very happy to sign for such a historic, English club, and I hope to show my best here. I am a very ambitious player, and West Ham is a very ambitious club, as we’ve seen with the appointment of the new coach, and I just hope that we can have a great season.

“I’m very happy to be here and I am very excited. I hope we win lots of games and make the fans happy. I can’t wait to pull on the shirt.”

“I’m excited to play at a wonderful ground like London Stadium. Everyone enjoys playing football in big grounds that are filled with fantastic fans, as is the case here. I really can’t wait for the first home game.”
[Quotes via WHUFC.com]