Guido Rodríguez is a name that’s been echoing through the corridors of European football over recent years - but now, following the confirmation of his arrival at West Ham United, our exciting new signing has revealed how putting pen to paper in east London was the culmination of a life-long dream to sign for a Premier League club.
The 30-year-old has joined on a free transfer, having departed Spanish outfit Real Betis at the end of last season, where he had spent four-and-a-half years and made 173 appearances, with his consistency instrumental in the club’s impressive performances in La Liga and European competition.
Rodríguez graduated from River Plate’s famous La Escuela de Fútbol River Plate youth academy and gained experience in the Argentinian top tiers both there and with Defensa y Justicia. But it was a transfer to Club Tijuana and then Club America in Mexico that would prove to be pivotal in Rodríguez's upward career trajectory.
Having subsequently taken his first steps into Europe when joining Betis in January 2020, he blossomed into perhaps their most influential player under the guidance of former West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini, and established himself as a well-known figure across the continent.
Now, after a whirlwind couple of days, and with all the formalities complete, Rodríguez, who is a FIFA World Cup and two-time Copa América winner, couldn’t be happier to become a Hammer, and is relishing the opportunity to show off his talents in the Claret and Blue of West Ham.
“I am very happy to be here. I feel like every young footballer dreams of playing in the Premier League,” Rodríguez beamed.
“In Argentina, I used to spend my Sunday mornings watching the Premier League highlights. Like every young Argentine football fan, I was a big fan of the Premier League.
“It’s a very competitive league. I’m really looking forward to meeting my new teammates, getting to know the league and to achieving big things.
“It’s a Club that has an interesting project. I was very excited when I heard that there was interest. I think it’s the right step for me and I hope the Club benefits from my signing.
“It’s a historic Club. A European trophy really helps club growth. I hope we can keep growing together. That’s the most important thing.
“I’m very motivated, I didn’t realise how much I was looking forward to playing in the Premier League until I signed. We have big objectives and I think we can achieve many things. I will do everything to make sure I grow with the Club.”
Rodríguez has already enjoyed success on the domestic and international stages, with 2022 proving hugely significant for the Buenos Aires native as he played his part in Argentina’s Finalissima and World Cup triumphs, shortly after lifting the Copa del Rey with Betis, completing the full 120 minutes of the penalty-shootout win over Valencia.
Now, he hopes to emulate that success here in east London, and while he is excited to be a part of Julen Lopetegui’s revolution, he is hoping to add more silverware to both his and the team's locker.
“I’ve played against him [Julen Lopetegui] in the Sevilla v Betis derby," Rodríguez said. "I have spoken to him a bit, although I haven’t properly met him. I think he’s a great manager who builds very competitive teams.
“That’s really important to me, playing in a competitive team. That’s what we’re here for - to compete. His project excites me and I can’t wait to join the team and do things right. It’s an ambitious project, as I said, he builds competitive teams that always look to win.
“I will help the team in any way I can. I will bring experience to the team. My objective is to help my teammates and to adapt to the demands of the Premier League in as little time as possible. I’m well aware it is a very physical league, but I’m ready to put the work in and make sure I’m up to the task.
“To win things, it’s important to have a positive mindset. You have to train with victory in mind. I will give my all to keep improving and help the team win.
“What I can say to the fans is that I will give everything. It’s a tough league, but I will give everything: effort, gameplay, passion. I will give 100 per cent in every training session and every game. I can't wait to get going!”
