Marko Arnautovic has admitted that West Ham fans' passion was one reason why he decided to leave Stoke City for the Hammers.
The 28-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year deal on Saturday to become West Ham's club-record signing following on from the arrivals of Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart.
Arnautovic will be expected to chip in with the goals at the London Stadium next season, and admitted that West Ham's rich history and the fact the club are aiming for big things in the future were key to his decision to depart the Potters this summer.
"It feels special to me to be a West Ham player," Arnautovic told West Ham's official website.
"Everyone knows that West Ham is a big club, with big history and I’m happy to be a part of it now. I can’t wait to get started.
"I played against West Ham at the old stadium – I didn’t play last year at the new stadium because I was suspended – but I came to the game and I can only say it is a massive club with a lot of fans.
"They are crazy for football and this is what I like. The club is still growing, getting better and better and that’s why I’m here."
West Ham's joint-chairman David Sullivan praised Arnautovic, and admitted the club spent big to buy the Austria attacker because of his proven experience in the Premier League.
"We’re delighted to have completed Marko’s transfer from Stoke City," Sullivan said.
"Alongside Pablo Zabaleta and Joe Hart we have brought in three players with vast Premier League experience this summer, and that was one of our key targets as we look ahead to the new season.
"Marko will bring plenty of quality to our front line and I’m excited to see him in a claret and blue shirt."
