1:49pm Monday 1st February 2010
WEST HAM have confirmed the signing of Benni McCarthy for an undisclosed fee.
The South Africa striker arrives from Blackburn Rovers, having put the final touches to a two-and-a-half year deal on Monday.
The move ends weeks of speculation, with manager Gianfranco Zola admitting after Saturday's game against Blackburn Rovers that the signing would go through once the administration side of the deal had been completed.
McCarthy revealed he cannot wait to get started at Upton Park. “This is a great club,” the striker told West Ham's official website. “The reason why I am happy that it has finally happened is because about five years ago I had a disappointing experience when I thought I was going to be a West Ham player until Porto pulled out and I had to go back.
“I would have loved this to be my first Premier League club, I went to Blackburn instead but West Ham kept on pursuing me and eventually I am here.”
McCarthy was a Champions League winner with Porto in 2004, under the guidance of Jose Mourinho. He is also his country's all-time leading scorer with 32 strikes in 77 internationals. And he is keen to replicate that form for the Hammers, insisting it is his 'destiny' to play for the club as he bids to fire the club away from the relegation zone.
“I am looking forward to making up for lost time and I can't wait to make my debut. The reception I have got from everyone at the club and the fans I have already met in the street has been great. Everyone was optimistic and gave me a really good feeling.
“It left me thinking, 'Wow, this is a club I want to play for.' Although I could have gone to other clubs, this was the only one I wanted. Blackburn were very good to me and I had a wonderful time there but now this is a new opportunity. This for me is fantastic and I can't wait to play for the manager.
“They wanted me before, it didn't happen but now the opportunity arises again and this time I am going to prove myself. It is my destiny to be here. All I want to do is score goals for West Ham and make the fans happy.”
To keep up to date with everything that's happening at Upton Park follow us on twitter. www.twitter.com/sportsgoblin2
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/trade_directory/