West Ham United F.C.

Igor, welcome to West Ham United! How does it feel to be a Hammer?

“Thank you. I’m very happy to be here, to have this opportunity, and I hope to contribute everything I can on the pitch.”

What was it that attracted you to West Ham United?

“West Ham is a big Club in England. I already knew about the Club, I had already played against them before, and from the moment the speculation arose, I got really excited and delighted to have the opportunity with West Ham.”

What has the Head Coach, Graham Potter, said to you about the Club, and how excited are you to be a part of what he’s creating here at West Ham?

“First of all, he gave me the opportunity to come to a big Club and told me he would use me, that he would give me the chance I really need.

“That was very convincing. He’s also a very well-known coach. I think it’s important for me, especially at this point in my career, to work with a manager who has so much knowledge of the Premier League.”

Can you tell us about your qualities as a player and as a person?

“As a player, I’m the type who always wants to learn and always wants to improve. I believe I’m a player with a lot of quality on the ball and also very aggressive without the ball.

“And as a person, first of all, I’m humble, I’m simple, and I’m someone who likes to be with family and with friends, and to help the people who have helped me get to where I am today. So I’d say I’m a very simple and humble person, but very happy and grateful to God for everything.”

Please tell us about your career. How did you start playing football in Brazil?

“I started when I was 12 years old in Brazil. As with many Brazilian players, I left home very early. I went to different schools and nearby cities until I managed to find some clubs where the academy took me on, and I eventually turned professional at Red Bull [Brasil], before moving to FC Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.”

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