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Valencia joins West Ham after work permit granted

LONDON (Reuters) - Ecuador striker Enner Valencia's move to West Ham United has been confirmed after the 25-year-old was granted a work permit, the Premier League side said on Tuesday.

Valencia, who scored all three of Ecuador's goals at the World Cup finals in Brazil, signed a five-year contract to join the east London club from Mexico's Pachuca earlier this month, subject to a successful work permit hearing.

"I've already watched and read a lot about the club to learn about it - I know the fans are really passionate and I'm really glad to have signed," Valencia told the club website (www.whufc.com).

"The World Cup was a good tournament for me personally. I scored three times and for my first World Cup it was a good experience, but I hope my next one is better for me and the team.

"Of course, the World Cup gives me confidence to come to Europe and I want to take (advantage of) this opportunity that West Ham have given to me."

West Ham open their league campaign at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Aug. 16.



(Writing by Josh Reich, editing by Stephen Wood)