adminLONDON. — West Ham United yesterday announced the signing of England international winger Stewart Downing from English Premier League soccer rivals Liverpool for an undisclosed fee. Downing (29) has signed a four-year contract with the east London club and follows striker Andy Carroll in moving from Liverpool to Upton Park.
“I’m very excited. It’s a great opportunity for me being here, it’s a great club and I’m really excited to get going,” Downing told the club’s official website.
“I’m ready and I’m fit for the first game against Cardiff City (on Saturday). I’ve played a decent few games for Liverpool in pre-season, so there will be no problems on that front.”
The left-footed wide player becomes West Ham manager Sam Allardyce’s fifth new signing of the close season, after Carroll, Romania captain Razvan Rat, Spanish goalkeeper Adrian and midfielder Danny Whitehead.
Liverpool have reportedly made a relatively meagre £21 million from the sales of Carroll and Downing to West Ham.
Both players joined Liverpool in 2011, with Downing costing a reported £20 million from Aston Villa and Carroll setting the Reds back £35 million after arriving from Newcastle United.
Carroll spent last season on loan at West Ham. — AFP.
Online Reporter