Castellanos: "I like London, it's like New York"

Former New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos, now at West Ham, spoke to the club's official channels about his new adventure: "It's not even been three weeks since I arrived, but so much has happened and I've loved every second! West Ham is a really well-organized club, with fantastic people who made me feel welcome from day one. Already knowing Guido Rodríguez through the national team helped: sharing a dressing room with a world champion is always fantastic! I had great conversations with Nuno Espírito Santo and it was great that he threw me into the mix straight away. The Premier League? I felt ready. I had trained and played a lot at my previous club, Lazio. It took a while to adapt to the pace of the Premier League and my new teammates (I had only had one training session before my debut!), but playing here is a dream come true. Scoring my first goal against QPR was important in unlocking my potential, I hope it's the first of many at the London Stadium.

The fans They've shown a lot of affection. The way they support the team motivates me so much. I like London; I already feel at ease. It's a bit cold right now (!), but it's like New York, where I lived for four years. My girlfriend and my two dogs have also arrived. In my free time? I like video games and chess. I'm pretty good at it; I can't wait to challenge my teammates! I'm from Mendoza; I have wonderful memories of playing soccer barefoot in the streets until midnight. I didn't support a specific team, but I grew up admiring Messi and Maradona. As a kid, I used to wake up early to watch the Premier League: that's where I discovered West Ham, watching Tevez and Mascherano. Being here now, where they played, is a dream.

Scoring four goals against Real Madrid was one of the best moments of my career. But there have also been difficult moments, like when I missed a goal against Barcelona a few weeks earlier. In those times, I rely on my family. My national team debut against Chile, playing alongside Messi, was incredible. I'd love to go to the World Cup this summer to help Argentina defend their title, but I know everything depends on my performances here at the club. I'll put all my experience to work for West Ham. This team doesn't deserve their current position in the league. We're ready to fight to climb back up the table."