Recent arrival Crysencio Summerville insists he can’t wait to get out on the London Stadium pitch, after teaming up with his West Ham United colleagues upon their return from the USA this week.
Mazy forward Summerville signed a five-year deal with a one-year option with the Hammers last Saturday, while the rest of Julen Loptegui’s charges were gearing up for the second clash of their Sunshine State Tour against Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.
After he’d had the chance to catch up with fellow new arrivals Niclas Füllkrug and Guido Rodríguez towards the start of the week, the 22-year-old started getting to know all of the coaching and playing staff at Rush Green on Thursday, when the full squad reported back to a bustling Rush Green training ground.
And, having got to work in the gym and on the grass, and had a first face-to-face meeting with boss Lopetegui, Summerville is now itching to earn his first minutes in Claret and Blue during Saturday’s Betway Cup clash at home to Spanish La Liga outfit RC Celta de Vigo.
“I couldn’t wait to meet the team, so it’s been great,” Summerville said. “Signing was really exciting, and now everyone’s back I just feel ready to go and I can’t wait to get started.
“I actually knew of a few of the squad before I came here. I met Michail Antonio in London once, and I know Mohammed Kudus and Edson Álvarez from their time in the Netherlands, so it was good to catch up with those guys and meet the rest of the players.
“There’s a lot of quality here, and they’re all good human beings too. There’s a really warm feeling, and now I’m just really looking forward to meeting the rest of the Irons family.
“I’m started to get settled in London, and both my partner and I are delighted to be here. I can’t wait to walk out at London Stadium now, and play in front of all the supporters.”
During a productive four-year spell at Leeds, Summerville notched 25 goals in 89 appearances, and assisted 12 more, rising up from the academy ranks to establish himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet in West Yorkshire.
Originally a product of Feyenoord’s famed Varkenoord youth academy, the Netherlands U21 international is comfortable either on the wing or in the No10 role, and is excited to join the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus in West Ham’s attack.
He said: “I can play on the wings, and I can play as a No10 – I can play anywhere in the forward positions. I love to dribble, score goals and provide assists, and I like to beat players one on one.
“I think I’m an exciting player to watch, and I hope I’m the sort of player that fans will want to come and see.
“Hopefully there will be lots to celebrate for me, the whole team and the supporters, starting with the Celta Vigo game, and then Aston Villa in the Premier League!”
