Manuel Lanzini has said he took the decision to move to the Arabian Gulf League “as a step to Europe” as the Argentine midfielder continues his loan spell with Premier League club West Ham.
Lanzini, 22, opted for Al Jazira instead of West Ham in 2014, and enjoyed an impressive debut season in UAE football, scoring seven goals and being involved in 70 per cent of the goals scored by the Abu Dhabi club as they finished AGL runners-up.
However, the arrival of Abel Braga as manager in the summer and the club’s decision to recruit new foreign players opened the exit to Lanzini, and having failed to sign the former River Plate playmaker a year earlier, West Ham made their move in the form of a season-long loan deal.
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It is a signing that has so far proved successful, with Lanzini a central figure in West Ham’s impressive early season form. Indeed, the London club’s recent struggles have coincided with Lanzini’s thigh injury, with West Ham failing to score since his last appearance against West Brom on November 29.
Despite his fine form in the Premier League and Al Jazira’s shambolic season so far, which has seen Braga sacked with the club languishing 10th in the league, Lanzini is unlikely to return to UAE football anytime soon.
"It was a good experience in Abu Dhabi," Lanzini said in an interview with the Daily Mail. "It's on a different level to the Premier League or La Liga, or the Argentinian league, but it's growing and they're putting a lot of money in.
“It was a decision I made with my family. I tried to use it as a step to Europe, and to help me develop and learn, playing with high-level footballers. I was 21 and looked up to experienced players like Vucinic and Jucilei, who has played in Brazil and Russia.”
West Ham are expected to turn Lanzini’s loan move permanent at the end of the season, and the midfielder appears to be settled at the club.
“It is a well-organised club where I can develop as a footballer and a human being,” Lanzini said. “There’s a great group of players with several Spanish speakers, and coaching staff with faith in me who give me confidence.
“London is one of the great cities of the world, everyone wants to see it. The Premier League is fast and dynamic, it suits my game. It has all made the adaptation process easier. I’m very comfortable here.”
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