West Ham United have announced the signing of Jack Wilshere on a free transfer after he signed a three-year deal to join West Ham, the club he supported as a child, after his contract at Arsenal had expired.

“It feels good, it feels special,” he told the club’s official website.

“People will have seen the picture of me in a West Ham shirt and I’ve got good memories of my childhood supporting West Ham, watching them at Upton Park. My family and a few of my friends are West Ham fans so everyone’s buzzing.”

Wilshere said he did not have to think twice when he learned of West Ham’s interest in securing his services, with Pellegrini’s ambitious plans, the passion of the Claret and Blue Army and London Stadium all convincing him his future lie in east London.

“I think it was a number of things,” he confirmed, “the manager being one and the way he wants to play and where he sees me playing.

“The fans, of course – everyone knows how big West Ham’s fanbase is – and especially in this new Stadium. Not many clubs could fill it week in, week out, and West Ham do.

“I want to be playing here in front of the Hammers, and my bond I’ve had with the Club over my childhood will make it even more special.”

The 26-year-old is the club’s fourth summer signing following right-back Ryan Fredericks, central defender Issa Diop and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

He has made 165 Premier League appearances since his debut for Arsenal in 2008/09, scoring eight goals and providing 17 assists.

His first goal in the PL was against the Hammers in March 2010 while on loan at Bolton Wanderers.

Wilshere will hope to play in West Ham’s first match of the 2018/19 Premier League season at Liverpool on Sunday, 12 August.