Franco becomes a Hammer

Experienced Mexico forward Guillermo Franco has joined West Ham, the London club announced on Thursday.

Franco, 32, had been a free agent after leaving Spanish side Villarreal, where he had played since January 2006, at the end of last season.

The striker has scored four goals in his last six games in Mexico’s World Cup qualifying campaign and said he was determined to carry that form into the Premier League.

“This is a very important stage in my career and I hope to score lots of goals for the club this season and then play at the World Cup,” he said.

“This is an important team with great players and a great manager. I know that the club are very ambitious and want to do well. I want to do my best to make that happen and I am excited about the challenge.

“The main motivation was to play in the Premier League. I love English football and I love the Premier League.

“I had the possibility of joining Estudiantes and two Spanish clubs but it was the Premier League that drew me here.

“I can fulfil my desire with West Ham and I am very happy to be here.”

With Dean Ashton injured, West Ham started the season with Carlton Cole as their only fit forward but manager Gianfranco Zola has since recruited Luis Jiminez, Alessandro Diamanti and Frank Nouble.