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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Gianluca Scamacca reveals reasons behind West Ham decision in first interview after Premier League move

Gianluca Scamacca got the seal of approval from Roberto Mancini

(Picture: West Ham)

Gianluca Scamacca has revealed a conversation with Italy boss Roberto Mancini helped convince him a move to West Ham was the right one to make.

The 23-year-old has joined the Hammers in a £30.5m deal from Sassuolo, signing a five-year contract with the option of an extension for a further season.

Scamacca provides David Moyes with the competition for Michail Antonio up front that he has been longing for, and brings a genuine goalscoring threat after a strong season in Serie A.

That earned him a first appearance for the national side and Scamacca’s interest in joining the Hammers, due to the fans and the positive direction of travel the club are on, was confirmed after speaking to Mancini.

“Because the Premier League, because the project, and they want me a lot,” Scamacca said in an interview with the club when asked why he chose West Ham.

“With fans like this I think you give more than you have. You find the strength to overcome your limit with fans like this.”

He added: “We spoke before I came and [Mancini] said it was a perfect place for me. For growing up, for playing, for involvement, to get better and to improve.”

Scamacca also revealed that playing in England was something he has been dreaming about throughout his career, a target he made clear to those close to him.

“Really excited,” he said. “We waited a lot of time for this moment and we are very, very happy.

“It was my dream for a lot of years. Today I spoke with a friend - last year we wrote on our WhatsApp: ‘One day I want to play in the Premier League’ and this has happened.”

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