West Ham have confirmed the signing of former Nigeria centre-forward Emmanuel Emenike on loan for the rest of the season from Fenerbahce.
Emenike, 28, hopes to have an instant impact for Slaven Bilic's squad, having known the Irons manager from his spells coaching in Russia and Turkey.
"I have always known West Ham as a great club. I have always been watching them. West Ham's a great club and I am very, very happy and very, very excited that I am here," Emenike told West Ham TV.
ICYMI: Watch Emmanuel Emenike's first interview as a #WHUFC player here > https://t.co/Ge5rjiSLl2 #WelcomeEmmanuel pic.twitter.com/3m3l3S1gHa
- West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) February 1, 2016
"I've known him [Bilic] for years. When he was at Lokomotiv Moscow, I was at Spartak Moscow, then he came to Besiktas and I was in Fenerbahce, so we have known each other for a long time. I'm happy to be here and happy to play for him.
"We have followed each other's careers and thank God we are here today and we are here together."
Emenike added: "That is why I am here, to always be in the first XI, always try to make the fans happy and to make myself happy. I really hope it works out.
"The Premier League is the best in the world, it is everyone's dream to come and play here. I am excited to be here.
"But it is not always just about the player, it is team work and it is all about us as a team. I am here to play with the team and work with the team."
Emenike, capped 37 times by the Super Eagles, spent part of this season on a loan spell at Arabian Gulf League side Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates.
The Hammers have the option to make the transfer permanent in the summer, and the forward will provide some welcome attacking options for Bilic with Andy Carroll currently sidelined again by injury.
