West Ham United FC

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Hammers seal McCarthy switch

01 Feb 2010 - 13:42:26

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South Africa international Benni McCarthy has finally completed his transfer from Blackburn Rovers to West Ham United.

The 32-year-old striker moves to Upton Park for an undisclosed transfer fee after scoring 52 goals in 140 games for Rovers.

McCarthy said after the transfer had been completed: "I am very pleased and extremely happy. This is a great club.

"The reason why I am happy that it has finally happened is because about five years ago I had a disappointing experience when I thought I was going to be a West Ham player until Porto pulled out and I had to go back.

"I would have loved this to be my first Premier League club, I went to Blackburn instead but West Ham kept on pursuing me and eventually I am here.

"I am looking forward to making up for lost time and I can't wait to make my debut. The reception I have got from everyone at the club and the fans I have already met in the street has been great. Everyone was optimistic and gave me a really good feeling.
"It left me thinking 'Wow, this is the club I want to play for'. Although I could have gone to other clubs, this was the only one I wanted.

"Blackburn were very good to me and I had a wonderful time there but now this is a new opportunity. This for me is fantastic and I can't wait to play for the manager.

"They wanted me before, it didn't happen but now the opportunity arises again and this time I am going to prove myself. It is my destiny to be here. All I want to do is score goals for West Ham and make the fans happy."