London, Aug 6 (IANS) West Ham United have signed experienced Dutch defender Joel Veltman on a one-year deal with an option to extend for another year as the East London club looks to get back in the Premier League after being relegated last season due to poor performance.
Veltman is an experienced leader and has played more than 450 games at the highest level for Ajax and Brighton & Hove Albion, including more than 50 in European competitions and 165 in the Premier League. He wore the captain's armband for both clubs.
He also impressed at the international level, representing his national side, the Netherlands, 28 times. Veltman helped his country reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals in 2014 and featured at UEFA Euro 2020.
“I’m delighted to have signed, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Veltman, who joins on a one-year contract with an option for a second year. “The project here really excites me. I spoke to Nuno, as well as my family and my agent, and everything added up. We know that West Ham need to be in the Premier League, and for sure that is our goal for the season.
“I think I bring my experience, my winning mentality and togetherness. I bring leadership - I’ve been the captain at Ajax, and I enjoy talking to my teammates and using my experience to help the squad. I’m just so excited to give everything, to meet my new teammates and to see all the supporters too,” He added.
West Ham's Director of Player Recruitment Nils Koppen and Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo identified Veltman as a person and player who will add specific qualities on and off the pitch.
“Joel has high standards, leadership qualities, strong communication skills, versatility on the pitch and great experience on both domestic and international levels,” said Koppen in an official statement.
“He knows English football very well, is highly motivated and is ready to give his all as we begin our quest to win promotion back to the Premier League,” he added.
West Ham's next match is against Portsmouth at home in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday. Following the cup tie, the Hammers will kick off their EFL Championship campaign under Head Coach Nuno Espírito Santo as they target a direct return to the top flight.
--IANS
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