Pablo Fornals has hailed the influence of Manuel Pellegrini after signing on the dotted line to become West Ham's second most expensive player of all time.
The 23-year-old midfielder has completed his move from Villarreal on a five-year contract for a fee believed to be in the region of €27m, only eclipsed by the £42m signing of Felipe Anderson last summer from Lazio.
The Spanish international has an option for a further year in his contract and becomes West Ham's third summer signing after goalkeepers Roberto and David Martin.
Fornals is currently away gearing up for the UEFA Euro U21 finals in Spain and will join up with the new his teammates once that tournament is done and dusted.
Speaking to whufc.com from Madrid, Fornals said he has admired Hammers boss Pellegrini from afar and jumped at the chance to work with the Chilean.
"I'm very happy to be part of West Ham," Fornals said.
"I have worked with Mario [Husillos, director of football] before - I know him from when I was in Malaga.
"With Manuel [Pellegrini], only when I saw him and admired him on TV. Of course, Manuel was a big influence because in the end he is one of the best coaches in the world and who doesn't want to work with people like that?!"
Fornals will be plying his trade at London Stadium for the next six years and joins a wealth of attacking talent in east London alongside Manuel Lanzini, Jack Wilshere, Andriy Yarmolenko, Michail Antonio and the aforementioned Anderson.
"I feel very good, very happy and very grateful for the opportunity that has been provided to me," Fornals added.
"I want the club to continue giving opportunities to young and ambitious people, people who want to do well for the long term.
"I know about the loyal fans and the stadium, which is a beautiful stadium. The fans fill the stadium every weekend and that is something admirable, especially with the passion with which football is lived there. I think it is important to play with the support of your fans at home."
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