Gokhan Tore has already done his research on West Ham United and cannot wait to start playing in front of the home supporters when we play our first game at the new Stadium.
Tore is used to a passionate home support having played for Besiktas and is expecting a similar kind of atmosphere when he lines up in front of 60,000 fans every home game.
The Turkey international did not have to think twice when Slaven Bilic asked him to join the Hammers and is hoping to become a major star during his season-long loan with the east London Club....
Gokhan, welcome to West Ham United. How excited are you over the move and how much are you looking forward to being part of such a historical season for the Club?
GT: “I am very happy to be here. I watched many games that West Ham played last season and have seen how passionate the fans are.
“They are crazy about the team. That makes me want to come here.
“The coach was also a big factor because I have worked with Slaven Bilic. He is a very good manager and I am very happy to be at West Ham United.”
What can the West Ham fan expect from Gokhan Tore?
GT: “I am looking forward to being fit and on the pitch and giving the fans what they want – success.”
This is a big time for you to be joining the Club with the move into the new Stadium. How big a factor was that in your decision to join West Ham?
GT: “Of course that was a big factor. To play in a bigger stadium is better for any player because the atmosphere will be better and you get more adrenalin to perform to a higher level.”
You touched on Slaven Bilic being a big reason for joining as well. How much did he have to do with the move?
GT: “Slaven is the main man for me. I have already worked under him and we know each other very well.
“He is a fantastic manager and I could not say no to him. I wanted to join West Ham. I can say he is the best manager I have played for.
“He knows the relationships with the players and how to talk with them. He is like a father and you feel comfortable. You feel like it is family. He was loved at Besiktas and it is the same at West Ham.”
You have also mentioned the West Ham fans and their support for the team. You must be looking forward to playing in front of them?
GT: “I am looking forward to playing in front of them and giving my best. I want to be successful here and that is the reason I have come to England.”
You are no stranger to life in England. How much did you experience at Chelsea in your early career help your development and knowing what to expect here?
GT: “The Premier League is the best in the world and every player wants to come here and play in England.
“My experience at Chelsea helped me a lot and it is not new for me. I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League.
“I also played in the Europa League against Liverpool and Tottenham so it is no problem for me.”
West Ham are back in the Europa League for the second consecutive season. You have a lot of experience playing in the competition. Do you think it can help the Club move onto another level when they are playing in Europe?
GT: “It is nice for the fans and the players to be play in Europe and to be a part of the tournament for the West Ham family.”
You arrive here with a lot of confidence having won the title with Besiktas last season. How much confidence do you take from that and how happy were you to come here as a title winner?
GT: “We worked very hard to win the title. We got what we deserved and I am very happy to have won the league with Besiktas. I got my first trophy with the Club and it was a great experience.”
How much would you like to win the Premier League title at West Ham?
GT: “I would love to do that and it would be amazing. After what Leicester did last season anything is possible in football.”
You look at the West Ham team now and the forward line that we have at our disposal. Everyone talks about Dimitri Payet. How much are you looking forward to playing alongside him?
GT: “I have seen lots of games that West Ham played and they play very good football.
“They have some great players in the team like Payet and he had a great tournament at the Euros. He was scoring goals and creating assists.
“I am looking forward to seeing my team-mates and to be a part of the team. I want to talk with them and know them better.”
Do you feel that your best football is yet to come?
GT: “My best football will still come. I am still developing as a player. I am only 24 and am trying my best to get better. I have dreams to be even better and want to fulfil them. I would like to stay here.”
What would you like to achieve at West Ham United?
GT: “Everyone wants to win the Premier League. Leicester did it last season and have showed that anything is possible in football.
“Why can't we do the same? Of course I want to win trophies as well, but the most important thing is that everyone works hard together.
“West Ham are a big Club and the fans and players are looking forward to playing in the new Stadium. It can help us move onto another level.”