Source: Daily_Mail
West Ham sign Thomas Hitzlsperger from Lazio on three-year deal
West Ham have announced the signing of Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlspergeron a three-year deal.[LNB]The 28-year-old will join the club on a free transfer on July 1 following the expiry of his contract at Italian side Lazio.[LNB]Hitzlsperger becomes the first new arrival at Upton Park this summer as the club bid to rebuild after narrowly avoiding relegation last term.[LNB] Hammer time: Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has signed a three-year deal at Upton Park, arriving on July 1 from Lazio[LNB]Changes are afoot at the Hammers with Avram Grant due to beinstalled as manager later this month subject to a work permit, andWest Ham co-owner David Sullivan expressed his satisfaction with thedirection the club is taking.[LNB]'I am delighted to welcome Thomas to the club,' Sullivan told the club's official website.[LNB]'We had to move quickly to secure his services when he becameavailable, especially as there was understandably so much interest inhim from around Europe and back in Germany.[LNB]'I am especially pleased that he is excited by what we are trying to achieve here at West Ham.[LNB]Claret and blue: Former Aston Villa ace Thomas Hitzlsperger is West Ham's first summer signing[LNB]'He is the first of many signings this summer. We are going to signa mixture of exciting young talent as well as the very best senior proswho can add real strength to the squad like Thomas.[LNB]'He is still a young man but has massive experience.'[LNB]Nicknamed 'The Hammer' due to his powerful left foot, Hitzlspergershould find favour among the West Ham fans, and Sullivan expects greatthings from the former Bayern Munich youth player.[LNB]'Thomas is a top-quality player who I know the fans will love - and not just because of his nickname,' Sullivan added.[LNB]'He is a wholehearted midfielder with an eye for a goal who gives everything in every match.'[LNB]Hitzlsperger has previous experience of the Barclays Premier League having spent four years at Aston Villa between 2001 and 2005.[LNB]Hitzlsperger began his career at Bayern before joining Villa at theage of 18. He made his debut for the club in 2001 and went on to make114 appearances for the midlands outfit, scoring 12 goals.[LNB] He returned to Germany with Stuttgart in summer 2005 and went on to lift theBundesliga title with the club two years later. He joined Lazio in January thisyear but only made five appearances before his short-term deal expired.[LNB]Hitzlsperger has won over 50 caps for the German national side butmissed out on a place in Joachim Low's World Cup squad this summer.[LNB] Avram chasing Pompey back-up team as West Ham rebuilding work beginsWest Ham eyeing move for Israel and former Chelsea striker Ben SaharPortsmouth's Belhadj set to snub West Ham for lucrative move to QatarWEST HAM UNITED FC
