West Ham United‘s Edvin Austbø says he’s enjoying life with the Championship side and not focusing on the mini-drama after recent comments.
The Hammers made repeated efforts to sign the winger in the summer window. Viking had initially rejected their opening bid of €10m in mid-August.
West Ham didn’t give up and returned with an improved offer of around €12.9m as a fixed fee. This was enough for them to convince the Norwegian club and Austbø sealed a move on August 31st.
The 21-year-old has made one start and three substitute appearances for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. In his second outing, he scored and assisted in the London club’s 3-0 league win over Derby County.
Austbø retained his place in Norway U21 squad and featured in all U21 European qualifiers during the last international break.
West Ham player responds to September comments
Thursday’s edition of Stavanger Aftenblad has published an interview with Edvin Austbø and it’s their second interview since he moved to London.
Last month, the attacker told the newspaper that he wants to play for an even bigger club in the future.
He said: “I’d like to play for an even bigger club in the future, even though West Ham is huge. The goal is to become so good that they have to sell me. But first, we’re going to achieve a few things here along the way.”
This didn’t please a section of West Ham United fans. The newspaper asked him to share his views on the supporters’ response.
Austbø explained: “I realised it was mostly on social media. The club didn’t take issue with the comments either. That’s how it is in football when small remarks are taken out of context, so it wasn’t a problem for me.”
West Ham summer signing on new life in England
Prior to his move to West Ham United, Edvin Austbø spent his playing career in Norway.
He talks about the noticeable differences between the Championship and the top division in his country.
“Everything is a step up, so I can tell it’s tough in training and in matches. The scale of it all is even greater,” he added.
The attacker’s immediate focus will be on the Hammers’ clash against Queens Park Rangers on Friday.
West Ham’s busy schedule makes it challenging for him to follow Viking’s matches.
“I try to watch all the matches. It is hectic in England, but I have time to follow, so I am looking forward to the Champions League and the Brann match this Friday,” Austbø concluded.
