By Chris Wright

West Ham have announced the free transfer signing of Thomas Hitzlsperger on a three-year deal.

The German international will officially move to Upton Park when his current contract at Lazio expires on July 1st.

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan told the club’s official website;

“I am delighted to welcome Thomas to the club.

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 28-year-old midfielder, who spent four years at Aston Villa between 2001 and 2005, has earned the moniker ‘Der Hammer’ as a result of his howitzer-like long-range shooting – a happy co-incidence that didn’t pass the razor-sharp Sullivan by;

“Thomas is a top-quality player who I know the fans will love – and not just because of his nickname , he is a wholehearted midfielder with an eye for a goal who gives everything in every match.”

Hitzlsperger has won over 50 caps for the German national side but missed out on a place in Joachim Löw‘s World Cup squad this summer.

Posted in Serie A, Transfers & Rumours, West Ham Utd | 3 Comments »