One Spaniard out, one Spaniard in. West Ham have confirmed our first pre season signing. They have signed Roberto Jiminez Gago, known simply as Roberto, from Espanyol. He’s signed on a two year contract with a third year option. He has a reasonable track record with Athletico Madrid, Benfica and Olympiakos, but in his three years as Espanyol he’s only made 4 appearances. You don’t get the feeling he’s a signing who will push Fabianski very much. It looks as if we might also sign another keeper, heavily rumoured to be Millwall’s David Martin (see Nigel Kahn’s column below)
He told WHUFC.com…
From the beginning when I knew I was going to come here, I was very excited about the new experience," said the stopper, whose full name is Roberto Jimenez Gago. "I consider this step a big step in my career. I think everyone who follows football knows the importance of this Club, so I’m really excited. I am looking forward to playing in the Premier League, of course. It’s a big challenge as I consider this to be one of the two best and biggest leagues in the world, with our league in Spain, and I think it’s a dream for every player to come here and play in the Premier League, so I’m looking forward to getting started.
Also from WHUFC.com…
Director of Football Mario Husillos is familiar with Roberto’s work and believes West Ham have signed a top goalkeeper. “I worked with Roberto during my time at Malaga," he confirmed. "He is a fantastic goalkeeper, who has a great deal of experience in football, having played at the highest level. “During his time at Olympiakos, I spoke regularly with the coaches and many of them spoke about Roberto as one of the biggest goalkeepers in the history of the club. “He is at a brilliant age for a goalkeeper, and we are extremely happy to bring him to West Ham United. He is a brilliant professional and a brilliant person. He has all the qualities to play in the Premier League and be very successful.”