Enner Valencia harbours European ambitions with West Ham

Posted Saturday, August 09, 2014 by theguardian.com

Enner Valencia is on a roll. Having achieved his dream of playing and scoring three goals in the World Cup this summer, and after fulfilling his dream of playing in the Premier League by signing for West Ham for £12m last month, the Ecuadorian has wasted no time in announcing that he wants to help bring European football to east London as soon as possible.

Enner Valencia harbours European ambitions with West Ham
West Ham's new acquisition Enner Valencia scored all three of Ecuador's goals at the World Cup in Brazil

"Before signing we spoke a lot about that, the ambitions of the club to try to play European football," Valencia said. "I’m going to work very hard for it and they’re going to try to make top four."

Speaking in front of the Olympic Stadium, Valencia admits to watching London 2012 "and when I heard the news that West Ham might come to the stadium, I was delighted. It’s a great venue, one of the best in the world and I’m looking forward to playing here in 2016".

While Champions League qualification might be out of reach for West Ham this coming season, there is no doubt that long-term the club see themselves among England’s elite. Blessed with lightning acceleration, Valencia was given the nickname Superman after finishing as top scorer in the Copa Sudamericana.

Prolific for Mexican club Pachuca last season, the 25-year-old continued to shine in Brazil, inflating his fee to make him West Ham’s second most expensive player behind the £15m Andy Carroll. "After the World Cup several offers came around but when I found out that West Ham were interested I said definitely yes because it is one of my dreams to play in the Premier League," he said. "I spoke to Antonio Valencia and he gave me some good advice to take this opportunity."

After an extended break following the World Cup, Valencia will not be given an opportunity until he is match-fit. Having landed in England on Friday night, he immediately started training on Saturday but will almost certainly miss West Ham’s season opener against Tottenham on 16 August.

"I’m training normally now and trying to adapt to what the manager wants and the philosophy of the club. I’m expecting to be ready in between one or two weeks."

West Ham have yet to win during pre-season, owing in no small part to their lack of firepower – with four goals in six matches – and with Carroll ruled out for up to four months, Sam Allardyce will be desperate to get Valencia up to speed.

For now, Valencia’s ambition is certainly not in danger of slowing down. "I hope that I can bring a lot of happiness to the West Ham fans. If we can achieve any European football then that would be fantastic for everyone."