England international winger confirmed as West Ham player.
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Stewart Downing has been confirmed as the latest summer signing by West Ham on the club’s official website after ending a nightmare two-year spell with Liverpool.
The 29-year-old winger is the second player to switch Anfield for Upton Park in this transfer window, joining striker Andy Carroll in joining the Hammers.
The England international has put pen to paper on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £6million, a £14million loss on what Liverpool paid Aston Villa for him in 2011.
Downing, who started his career at Middlesbrough, endured a difficult time at Liverpool, contributing precisely 0 goals and 0 assists in the Premier League in his first season at the club, and making only a slight improvement in his second campaign there.
Along with Carroll, Downing was part of a disastrous spending spree by former Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, which also included Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam, though current manager Brendan Rodgers has done well to move these players on.
He expressed his joy at making the move to West Ham, and is excited about the start of the new season.
“I’m very excited. It’s a great opportunity for me being here, it’s a great club and I’m really excited to get going,” he said.
“I’m ready and I’m fit for the first game against Cardiff City. I’ve played a decent few games for Liverpool in pre-season, so there will be no problems on that front.
“It’s all happened quickly, but I’m really excited and hoping to play a part on Saturday.”
West Ham have had a busy summer, and are still hoping to add to their squad with the signing of Juventus forward Fabio Quagliarella.