Joao Mario: Inter Milan midfielder completes loan move to West Ham

  • Published
Joao MarioImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Mario won Euro 2016 with Portugal

Inter Milan and Portugal midfielder Joao Mario has completed his loan move to West Ham.

Manager David Moyes has been keen to add more creativity to his squad, especially after injuries to Manuel Lanzini and Marko Arnautovic.

Mario, 25, signed for Inter from Sporting Lisbon for £35m in August 2016.

"It's a really amazing experience to join this team and I am just glad to be here," said Mario.

He failed to make the expected impact at Inter as he struggled to adjust to the tactical nature of Serie A.

That was not helped by the Serie A side's chaotic managerial situation, having sacked two managers last season and replacing a third in the summer, when Luciano Spalletti took over from Stefano Vecchi.

"It was a fast move. I have spoken with everyone around the team and, for me, it is exciting to play in the Premier League." said Mario, who joins the Hammers until the end of the season.

"It's a really historic club with an amazing stadium and amazing players."

With 31 international caps, Mario played in all seven matches as Portugal won Euro 2016.

But Moyes said he needs his new signing to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League.

"My biggest concern is not him as a footballer but getting used to the Premier League, the speed and competitiveness compared to Italy or Portugal," he said.

"His ability as a footballer is not in question, he's proved it, and I just hope he can hit the ground running. That's my only concern."

Around the BBC

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.