Jimenez has Zola excited

Hammers boss expects big things from loan star

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 25th June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Jimenez has Zola excited

Jimenez: Backed by boss

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West Ham new-boy Luis Jimenez has been tipped to make a positive impression in England by Gianfranco Zola.

The Hammers boss completed the capture of the Inter Milan midfielder on a season-long loan deal on Tuesday.

He is now looking forward to working with the Chile international throughout the 2009/10 campaign.

"I am pleased that it is now official and Luis Jimenez is with us," Zola told the club's official website.

"A lot of hard work has gone into the transfer and I am pleased the club have been able to make it happen. It is very good for everyone.

"He is one of those players that has got the qualities that West Ham supporters like and I think he will fit very well into our team.

Recharged

"I am sure he will settle well into the Premier League and we will do our best to welcome him and make him feel at home.

"We have a couple of weeks before we start pre-season but I am very excited about coming back. We have all been resting and recovering and I have no doubt we will all be recharged and ready to start the new season."

Zola has also revealed that he called Jimenez personally in an effort to persuade the South American star to take on a new challenge at Upton Park.

"I have spoken to him about what we are trying to do and he was very enthusiastic and excited about coming to us," he added.

"That was good to hear because you can tell he just wants to play and do well for West Ham.

"I am sure he will be a success. He is a quality player and quality players always do well, especially with the way we try to play football. It should prove a good move for everyone."