Mascherano and Tevez explain why West Ham (2 Sep 2006 03:08 GMT)
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano have explained why they turned down some of Europe's biggest clubs in order to make a shock deadline day move to West Ham.
"Other clubs in the Premier League and Europe were interested in us but when we met Alan Pardew he made us both really feel wanted, " Tevez said.
"Pardew talked about his vision for us and the club and we both became very excited, " added Mascherano.
Tevez says he became a fan of the Hammers last season when another Argentine player, Lionel Scaloni, moved to Upton Park on loan from Deportivo La Coruna.
"I had followed the club quite a bit last season because I am a close friend of Lionel," added Tevez. "We watched every West Ham game in Argentina because of our friendship and he spoke very highly of the club, its supporters and the manager."
Mascherano was also pleased to complete the move, saying: "I am also aware of some of the great players at West Ham. I know of Anton Ferdinand - he is talked about a lot in Argentina as a great player of future, while I also like Nigel Reo-Coker, who is a very dynamic captain and displays the work ethic that is clearly in place here."
Pardew expects the arrivals of Tevez and Mascherano to take West Ham on to the next level.
The Hammers boss said: "It is a massive coup for us. I've no doubt this will give us a real chance to compete with the very best teams in the Premiership and in Europe. I didn't have to sell West Ham to them. They knew all about our success last season and our style of play."
The club have refused to divulge details of the deal, but both Tevez and Mascherano commanded £15m transfer fees when they signed for Corinthians from Argentine clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate, respectively.
And West Ham have denied speculation they have stolen a march on bigger rivals with a view to selling them on next season.
Hammers media spokesman Phil Hall insisted: "There is no way West Ham would act as a feeder club for others. These are exciting signings for us but, of course, if we were offered major fees for the players in the future we would have to consider it - just as we would with other players."
source : BBC