Radoslav Kovac is relishing the thought of training with his new team-mates this week after being impressed by the weekend display at Arsenal.
The Czech Republic midfielder arrived at the Boleyn Ground on Friday and met his new colleagues for the first time. After completing his move from Spartak Moscow, Kovac visited Chadwell Heath to be put through his paces for the first time by Antonio Pintus before watching the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
Kovac cannot wait until the team return to the practice pitches ready to prepare for the visit of Manchester United this coming Sunday, with the vastly-experienced international taking time out before then to share his thoughts on his new challenge.
"I am delighted to be here," he said. "West Ham is a beautiful club and I am happy that I have signed and can't wait to play. There was interest from other big clubs, but when West Ham showed their interest, it felt like the right move for me and a chance to come and play in the Premier League."
Kovac described the Premier League as one of the best in the world and believed that playing here in England can only enhance him further as a player. "For sure, it is one of the best to be in and that is where I want to be playing. I am very happy I will be doing this with West Ham."
He is well aware of the great traditions of the club and described the opportunity to join up and play under Gianfranco Zola was a big factor in his move to east London. "Of course I know a lot about the manager and also the player he was, he says "It is a fantastic opportunity for me to come and play under him and I am very excited about this.
"I also know a lot about Matthew Upson, from him playing for England and also players such as Scott Parker. I am looking forward to playing with the team, there are a lot of good players here."
Kovac joins what is a strong Czech contingent at the club - with fellow Czech players Jan Lastuvka and Marek Stech as well as goalkeeping coach Ludek Miklosko, all of whom welcomed him personally on his first trip to the stadium. He also revealed that Petr Cech, the Chelsea No1, recommended life in the Premier League.
"Before I came here, he [Cech] said a lot to me about how it works and how the coaching is here. I think the way the team plays here at West Ham is not unlike how we play for the Czech Republic."
Now the all the formalities are done, Kovac is eager to get to know his new team-mates and starting life at the club. "I am looking forward to starting training and pulling on a West Ham shirt and doing what I can for the team, who are doing very well. Hopefully I can play a part in helping them continue that."