West Ham star eyes Arsenal goal after signing new deal with the Hammers

Wednesday, January 23, 2013
11:58 AM

Guy Demel has signed a new contract at West Ham, keeping him at the east Londoners until 2015.

The Ivory Coast defender put pen to paper on the eve of a return to former club Arsenal and he has started the Hammers’ last seven games.

“It’s really good for me and I’m really happy to have a new deal with West Ham,” he told West Ham TV.

“I’ve had a good year this season, and even last year was good, despite the fact that I was injured for so long and struggled a bit.

“I’m happy to be at West Ham and in the team. The lads are really good with me as are the people working for the club. I hope I will stay that long to play in the new stadium as well.

“Last year was kind of difficult because when I signed, I had pre-season, and then unfortunately I got injured really quickly and it was hard to come back afterwards.

“But right now I feel good. I had a pre-season, we worked hard and I have to thank the medical staff for the job they have done with me.

“I feel good and I’m quite happy with what I’m doing right now, but I know that I can do even more.”

The 31-year-old is relishing the prospect of taking on an Arsenal side in transition.

“To play Arsenal, against the big lads and the big teams, for every player, is a good feeling,” he added. “It’s a good stadium and I still have some friends over there. It will be special but not too much, because I just spent a year there, so it’s not a big deal.

“We’re looking for a good result, because we need slowly to get the points in the tank. We’re going there to get a result and I’m looking forward to a good game.

“Arsenal have lost many players, really good players and bought some new ones, who, I think need time to adapt.

“The transition is taking a bit of time, but they will be back, they’ll be back at that level. Any time would be a good time to get my first West Ham goal, so why not Wednesday?”