West Ham United defender Nayef Aguerd has admitted he’s not spoken to manager Julen Lopetegui about his move to Real Sociedad, despite the manager hailing from the region.
Noticias de Gipuzkoa cover comments from the centre-back today after he was presented as a new signing at a press conference yesterday.
Aguerd joined Sociedad on deadline day of the summer transfer window, signing on loan until the end of the season.
The Hammers sanctioned a loan move late on after a busy summer of spending on improving their defence with the captures of Max Kilman and Jean Clair Todibo.
That pushed Aguerd further down the pecking order at the London Stadium and it seems he was not a part of Julen Lopetegui’s plans moving forwards.
Thus, a deal to send him to Sociedad was agreed, with the player sharing his delight at the move given he had always dreamed of playing in Spain at some point in his career.
He thanked West Ham United for sanctioning the deal and letting that happen but admits now that he’s not actually spoken to Lopetegui about the transfer despite moving to the region the Hammers boss hails from.
“It was not difficult for me to come,” he come.
“When I spoke with Roberto Olabe and the coach, he was aware of the responsibility that coming here entailed. It is a very healthy club, which helps a lot of players to improve, and I am looking for that to grow. Just like the club, which seeks to be at the top.
“First of all, I would like to thank West Ham for letting me leave. I wanted to try something new. I have a contract with them and now I’m here, I don’t think about the past only in the present. I’m ready for Real.
“I didn’t speak with Lopetegui because I signed in the last few hours. I know he’s from here, people know him better than me, he’s only been there for two months, and I wish him the best.”
