New West Ham signing Luis Jimenez has vowed to make a major impact in the Premier League

By JONATHAN CLEGG

New Hammers signing Luis Jimenez has vowed to make a major impact in the Premier League after joining West Ham on a season-long loan deal from Inter Milan.

Jimenez, 25, became boss Gianfranco Zola's first summer signing last week after turning down offers from Parma and Wolfsburg in favour of a switch to Upton Park.

And the Chile star, nicknamed 'El Mago' - the Wizard - for his eye-catching skills, has revealed that he chose to join West Ham because he is determined to become a big hit in England.

He said: "I had options to change team but the one that most excited me was West Ham. It's what I wanted, going to England. And Inter respected this.

"I am determined to be a success. I want to play and leave the substitutes bench behind because in Inter I was not playing much. After eight years in Italy, it's good to change your surroundings.

"I have heard good reports of English football. Newcastle were relegated [to the Championship] and the fans applauded them just the same, the entertainment is another thing."

Jimenez, who is rated at �10m on the open market, has joined the Hammers on a year-long loan with view to a possible permanent move.

But the Chilean admits he faced an anxious wait to complete his switch to England after work permit problems threatened to scupper the deal.

"It was not easy because I did not fulfil all the requirements necessary to gain a work permit," Jimenez said.

"But even though I haven't played for the national team in two years and I don't have an EU passport, I was given a special permit for players of international quality, so there was no problem."

Now the midfield ace is hoping to impress Chile boss Marcelo Bielsa and regain his place in the national side ahead of next year's World Cup in South Africa.

Jimenez said: "First I have to make sure of my place in the [West Ham] team, because the national side will be a product of the work I do in England.

"Without playing I can't be [selected]. Now that option is open and everything is good with Bielsa. If all goes well, it stands to reason that I will be at least in the squad.