Pablo Zabaleta has heaped praise on West Ham fans and believes they are among the best in the country.
West Ham confirmed on their official website on Friday afternoon that Argentina international Zabaleta had put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Hammers after being told he could leave by Man City.
Posing in a West Ham top, the 32-year-old defender spoke highly of his new club’s support and is ready to do all he can to give them what they deserve.
“Probably I would say West Ham fans are one of the greatest fans in England, a great tradition.” Zabaleta told West Ham’s official Twitter account.
“In home games, away from home as well, following the team everywhere. The bubbles when you come out of the tunnel make that special as well. Hopefully, as a player, I can give good moments to them.”
Pablo knows about those bubbles..! ? pic.twitter.com/Zdcx40OfDb
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 26, 2017
The former Espanyol defender is Slaven Bilic’s first signing of the summer in what is expected to be a busy window for the east London outfit, as they look to improve on their disappointing 11th-placed finish next term.
Zabaleta will wear the number five shirt at the London Stadium, as Bilic finally puts an end to his right-back woes which has dogged his side throughout the 2016-17 campaign.
Injuries to duo Sam Byram and Alvaro Arbeloa has seen trio Michail Antonio, Cheikhou Kouyate and Havard Nordtveit play out of position.
The defender brings with him a huge wealth of experience with 230 top-flight appearances to his name during his stay at the Etihad Stadium, that has also see him hold aloft two Premier League trophies.