Adrian confident Zabaleta will be a Hammers success

West Ham goalkeeper Adrian has already been impressed by his new teammate Pablo Zabaleta and believes the veteran defender’s experience can help take the club to the next level.

After nine years at Manchester City, popular right-back Zabaleta made the move to the London Stadium over the summer.

The Hammers are now back in pre-season training, meaning the Argentine has had the opportunity to meet his teammates before heading on their European tour this week to Austria, Germany and Iceland ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

And Spanish stopper Adrian – who welcomed his second child, Eric, into the world over summer – is excited to link up with the 32-year-old.

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

“Everyone is pleased to be back in training,” said Adrian. “I’m happy to see the boys again and to see everyone. I think everyone is the same; we’re all pleased to see our teammates.

“It was a chance to meet Pablo properly too, which was great. He’s new for the lads and for the group in the dressing room.

“It’s always a happy moment to be back in training and it’s exciting to meet any new lads. Pablo did very well in his first session!

“He is very professional, has lots of experience at good clubs and for us, he’s a very good player to come and help us out. To give the squad his experience and his quality is brilliant for us.”