West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Spanish goalkeeper
Adrian on a free transfer.
The 26-year-old will join the Hammers on 1 July after his contractwith Primera Division side Real Betis Balompie expires. He has signed aninitial three-year deal, with the Club having an option to extend thisfor a further two seasons.
An imposing 6'3 stopper, Seville-born Adrian - full name Adrian SanMiguel del Castillo - has spent virtually his entire career with hishometown club, enjoying an outstanding 2012/13 season in the Spanish topflight.
After 16 years with his childhood club, Adrian is relishing the prospect of a new life and a new challenge in England.
"I am extremely happy and ecstatic to have joined such a legendaryand historical club in both London and in England," he said. "I amreally looking forward to being able to kick-off my career in the bestleague in the world with West Ham.
"I started off my career as a ten-year-old and have been there all ofmy life. I came through the ranks and I made my first-team debut in thesixth league game of last season against Malaga and was an ever-presentsince.
"For me, the icing on the cake was helping the team to qualify forthe Europa League in, like West Ham, our first season back in the topflight after we had spent three years in the Second Division. Achievingthis qualification was a massive farewell gift for the Betis fans."
After joining Betis at the age of ten, Adrian started hisprofessional career with the club's C team in the Andalusia PremierDivision. He then made more than 70 appearances for Betis B in theSegunda Division B Group 4, the regional third tier of Spanish football.
http://www.whufc.com/articles/20130605/hammers-catch-goalkeeper-adrian_2236884_3201244
