Last Updated: Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:52
West Ham have completed the signing of Benni McCarthy from Blackburn after he finally got his work permit sorted out.
The Hammers had been waiting to land the South African striker from Rovers but problems over his work permit slowed the deal down, those problems have been resolved and the former FC Porto man has signed a deal at Upton Park through to the summer of 2012.
He told the club's website: "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."