West Ham United Football Club

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

• Ground:Upton Park
• Capacity:35595

Franco claims Hammers deal

11 Sep 2009 - 08:17:59

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Mexico striker Guillermo Franco claims he has agreed a deal to join West Ham United.

Franco, 32, has been without a club since leaving Spanish side Villarreal at the end of last season.

The experienced striker, who scored in Mexico's 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Costa Rica last weekend, netted 14 goals during 81 La Liga appearances for the Yellow Submarine.

"Imagine how I feel after so much criticism for not having a team but thank God my dream has come true to play in England," he said.

"This is a new step, a new cycle with big challenges in a very strong league."

Franco was expected to sign for South America champions Estudiantes before a last-minute hitch prevented him from joining the Argentinian club.