Hitzlsperger arrives at Upton Park

Published Jun. 5, 2010 8:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Thomas Hitzlsperger on a three-year deal after the Germany international midfielder left Lazio.

Hitzlsperger has spent the past six months in Rome, but the former Aston Villa star has agreed to return to the Premier League with the Hammers. The 28-year-old only joined Lazio in January from Stuttgart after his contract with the Bundesliga club was cancelled to give Hitzlsperger a better chance of making Germany's World Cup squad.

However, despite his switch to Serie A, the ex-Bayern Munich youngster was unable to claim a place in Joachim Low's 23-man roster for the finals in South Africa. He will now turn his focus to his club career after accepting the opportunity to play in England for the second time.

Changes are afoot at the Hammers with Avram Grant due to be installed as manager later this month subject to a work permit, and West Ham co-owner David Sullivan expressed his satisfaction with the direction the club is taking.

"I am delighted to welcome Thomas to the club," Sullivan said on West Ham's official website.

"We had to move quickly to secure his services when he became available, especially as there was understandably so much interest in him from around Europe and back in Germany.

"I am especially pleased that he is excited by what we are trying to achieve here at West Ham.

"He is the first of many signings this summer. We are going to sign a mixture of exciting young talent as well as the very best senior pros who can add real strength to the squad like Thomas.

"He is still a young man but has massive experience."

Grant has been tipped to raid his former club Portsmouth for some players, while the likes of Thierry Henry and David Beckham have also been linked with moves to West Ham.

Nicknamed 'The Hammer' due to his powerful left foot, Hitzlsperger should find favour among the Upton Park fans, and Sullivan expects great things from him.

"Thomas is a top-quality player who I know the fans will love - and not just because of his nickname," Sullivan added.

"He is a wholehearted midfielder with an eye for a goal who gives everything in every match." Hitzlsperger began his career at Bayern before joining Villa at the age of 18. He made his debut for the club in 2001 and went on to make 114 appearances for the midlands outfit, scoring 12 goals.

He returned to Germany with Stuttgart in summer 2005 and went on to lift the Bundesliga title with the club two years later. Hitzlsperger has won over 50 caps for the German national side.