West Ham United summer signing Guido Rodriguez has admitted Julen Lopetegui was key to his arrival at the London Stadium.
The midfielder has been speaking to Marca about his move to West Ham on a free transfer this summer, and how even an old rivalry with Lopetegui didn’t stand in his way.
The Argentine midfielder is one of several new signings at West Ham this summer, who have spent big to strengthen and reshape Lopetegui’s squad.
He arrived on a free transfer after his deal with Real Betis had come to an end and added to a midfield that was already full of competition.
His presence at the London Stadium was seen as key to Rodriguez’s arrival, with the Mexican very much convincing his former teammate to make the move.
But Rodriguez insists it was actually Lopetegui who was vital to making the move happen, even though they were one rivals in Seville.
“I spoke with Julen Lopetegui and that was key. He gave me his confidence and I wanted to come. We can have a good season. I’m sure,” he said.
“I am happy to be with him now, although we are still getting to know each other. He is still asking me what he wants from me on the field.
“Before I saw Julen as passionate about football. It’s a plus for him. We had to be rivals and now it’s nice to get together and share goals.”
