Thursday, 23rd May, 2013
West Ham United’s new signing, Romanian international Razvan Rat, has admitted that his move from Ukrainian top guns Shakhtar Donetsk to Upton Park took "a big decision" but hopes he can become a key player for the club in the next five to six years.
Rat, 31, signed a one-year deal with West Ham on a free transfer, leaving behind him a 10-year stint with Shakhtar Donetsk, for who the Romanian clocked up 296 appearances, scoring 10 goals along the way.
"This is what I want to tell you, that it was a big decision for me [to leave Shakhtar]", the Romanian defender told West Ham’s official site.
"After ten years, it is very hard to move with everything – your family and everything like that – so it is true that for the moment it might not be so easy, but I know me and I know that I will adapt very soon. I think it will not be a problem", Rat added.
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Rat said that the opportunity to play in England was a chance he could not ignore, as such he moved to West Ham.
"It has been my dream to play in England, so I am very happy to be here. I’ve chosen England, I’ve chosen West Ham and I’m very happy for that."
The Romania national team captain, despite his short-term deal with the club, is also looking at the possibility of ending his career at Upton Park.
"I plan to end my career here, but not so soon – I hope it will be in something like five or six years. I plan to be here for a long time and I will give my best for my team and to give good performances here."
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