‘I think we can achieve great things’

New West Ham signing Guido Rodriguez says he is “very hopeful and very motivated” ahead of his first experience of the Premier League.

Rodriguez, 30, spent four and ahalf years in La Liga with Real Betis before signing for the Hammers on a free transfer earlier this week.

During his time at Betis, he faced new West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui in the city derby against rivals Sevilla and is looking forward to working with the former Spain and Real Madrid boss.

Rodriguez told club media: “I was able to speak to him a little. We still haven’t seen each other here but I think he’s a great manager. He makes teams very competitive and that is the most important thing. That’s what we need this season in the Premier League, we need to compete.

“Of course it gives me hope. I’m looking forward to performing well. I’ve been told he has an ambitious project, I know his teams are always looing to win.

“West Ham is a historic club in the Premier League and one that won a European tournament not so long ago. It’s important that the club continues to grow and hopefully this year we can keep on growing. That’s the most important thing.”

Rodriguez boasts a personal trophy cabinet including two Copa Americas, a World Cup, a Copa del Rey, a Copa Libertadores and a Mexican league title – and wants to his experience to help the mindset within the squad at West Ham.

“I think that the key to winning is having a positive mindset,” he added.

“You’ve got to train to win. I will give it my all in terms of effort and passion and not keep anything back in any matches or training.

“I’m very motivated and very hopeful. I’m really looking forward to this project. Until I signed I hadn’t realised how much I wanted to play in the Premier League and to have this experience. I think we can achieve great things.”