Joao Mario completes West Ham move on loan from Inter Milan until end of the season
WEST HAM have signed Joao Mario on loan from Inter Milan until the end of the season.
And the paperwork was completed in time for the Portuguese playmaker, 25, to make his debut in the FA Cup fourth-round clash with Wigan on Saturday.
Mario, who won Euro 2016 and has been capped 31 times by Portugal, then admitted international team-mate Jose Fonte helped talk him into the move.
He told West Ham's official site: “I am really happy to be here. It’s a really amazing experience to join this amazing team and I am just glad to be here.
“It was a fast move. I have spoken with everyone around the team and, for me, it is exciting to play in the Premier League.
“I spoke with the coach and for me, I am really happy to be training for an amazing coach, also.
“Jose Fonte explained to me a little more about the blub and also the song we have, I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles and that, of course, it was really important for me to join West Ham!
“It’s a really historic club with an amazing stadium and amazing players. I am just trying to know a little bit more about the Club every day and now I have some time to know more.”
Mario played in all seven games of Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph, earning him a £38.4m from Sporting to Inter later that summer.
Nerazzurri boss Luciano Spaletti has used him sparingly this season, with Mario making just five starts in Serie A.
But he has now signed up for David Moyes' survival mission and could face Wigan at the DW Stadium tomorrow.
He has been handed the No.18 shirt, having worn No.10 for Serie A giants Inter.