HAMMERS SIGN A HOT CHIC

JAVIER HERNANDEZ said the lure of returning to the Premier League was the key factor in joining West Ham.

The Hammers last night confirmed the £16million signing of the former Manchester United striker (above) from Bayer Leverkusen on a threeyear deal.

The 29-year-old Mexico star – nicknamed Chicharito – spent five years at Old Trafford and admitted he was desperate to return to England.

“I am very happy to join West Ham,” he said. “For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and, when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club.

“It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious – this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season.

“I’ve had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back.

“I am desperate for the season to start and to help the team achieve all their objectives.” The signing of Hernandez comes hard on the heels of West Ham’s swoop for Marko Arnautovic from Stoke City.

The Austria midfielder (inset) signed on a five-year deal for a club-record fee of £20m, plus a possible £5m in add-ons.