Newly appointed West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini says he is thrilled to start a new chapter in his career back in what he described as “the best league in the world”. 

The Chilean was appointed as the new Hammers boss earlier today, just over a week after David Moyes stepped down from the position after just a year in charge.

Formerly of Manchester City – Pellegrini guided the Sky Blues to a Premier League title and two League Cups between 2013-2016 – the 64-year-old says he cannot wait to get started again back in England with his new club.

“I’m very happy because I return to a league that, for me, and I always say the same thing, is the best league in the world, and especially because I come here to West Ham because every time I spoke with the owner Mister Sullivan, I always had the feeling that he wants me,” said the 64-year-old.

“I think that West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans. I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season.”

After departing City in 2016, Pellegrini has spent the past two seasons in China with Hebei China Fortune FC.

Your new West Ham United manager… #WelcomePellegrini pic.twitter.com/UuPWfGCZbz

— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 22, 2018

Pellegrini recruited a number of high profile European stars to the club whilst at the helm, including former Hammer Javier Mascherano, as well as Gervinho, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Brazilian Hernanes.

While the Chilean enjoyed his spell in China however, he says it is in Europe is heart lies, and where he feels he can, and will, enjoy the best success.

“I am excited about this project. My mentality is always to have a winning mentality and I will hope that I can repeat here what I did with all my clubs here in Europe, where I have always arrived in European competition.

“I know that this league is very good and it’s not easy to do it, but I think that working all together with the owners, the technical staff and the fans, we have an important power and can think about reaching important targets for the season.

“I think West Ham has a very good team. I know all of the players and I saw most of the games that they played last season, so I am sure that, with the players we have in this moment in the squad, and bringing maybe another four or five players in, we are going to have a strong team.”