Benni Mac Bigs up the Hammers

Last updated : 01 February 2010 By Plymouth_hammer

McCarthy has been given a two-year deal and has been handed the vacant number 17 shirt after the departure of Luis Jimenez.

In his first interview on the official site, McCarthy has made all of the typical positive noises of a new signing, taking the time to praise everybody who has already made him feel at home.

“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.”