JOE HART SAYS he’s looking forward to playing in the Premier League again after completing his season-long loan move to West Ham United.
After completing a medical on Monday, the England goalkeeper joins the Hammers from Manchester City with the deal including an option to buy.
Hart has two years remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium but City manager Pep Guardiola had told the 30-year-old he had permission to find a new club after spending last season with Torino.
West Ham will have the option to secure Hart’s services on a permanent basis at the end of the 2017/18 campaign for a reported £15 million.
“It’s important for me to play football and to get the opportunity to come here and play is absolutely awesome,” Hart said.
“To be playing in the Premier League for a big club like West Ham, I’m really looking forward to the season.
“I’ve always loved the Club. I think you’ll struggle to find anyone, apart from the direct opposing fans around London, who doesn’t love the Club. It’s got something about it, it’s got a lot history and I’ve always loved playing against West Ham.
“We’ve moved into London Stadium and we’ve got Slaven in charge who I’ve spoken to and I’ve always enjoyed as a manager. He obviously did a good job with Croatia and he’s doing a good job here, so to get the opportunity to come here, it wasn’t really a hard decision.”
Hart made 39 appearances in Serie A last season after moving to Italy on loan having fallen behind Claudio Bravo in Guardiola’s pecking order. He had been first choice at City for the previous six years after arriving from Shrewsbury Town.
Hart’s arrival is bad news for Ireland international Darren Randolph who now faces an uncertain future at the London Stadium. Newcastle and Middlesbrough have reportedly registered their interest in the Bray native.
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