West Ham sign Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez

West Ham United have confirmed the signing of Mexican veteran striker Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of 16 million pounds ($20.92 million).

According to West Ham's website, the 29-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star put pen to paper on a three-year deal on Monday afternoon.

The 28-year-old will fly out to Germany in the coming days to meet up with chief coach Slaven Bilic and his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp.

"I am very happy to join West Ham United. For me, the (English) Premier League is the best league in the world and when the opportunity came, I was desperate to sign for this club," he said in a statement.

"It was not a difficult decision. West Ham is an historic club, and very ambitious -- this summer you can see with the players signed that they are looking to have a very good season," added Hernandez, who became Mexico's all-time leading goal-scorer earlier this year.

"I've had three fantastic years playing in Spain and Germany, but England was really the first big chapter in my career and I am so happy to be back. I am desperate for the season to start and to help the team achieve all their objectives."

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said, "We are delighted to welcome Javier as the latest fantastic addition to the West Ham United squad."

"Following the arrivals of Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart and Marko Arnautovic, he is another top class professional who brings great experience and quality to the club."

"He has a proven goalscoring record in the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga, as well in the UEFA Champions League and at international level with Mexico," Sullivan said.

"We now have some fantastic options in attacking positions and, like all West Ham fans, I am looking forward to seeing Javier score goals in a claret and blue shirt next season."

For Bayer Leverkusen, Hernandez scored 39 goals in just 76 games during his two years in Germany.

--IANS

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