Sam Byram: Why I joined West Ham over Everton

SAM BYRAM has opened up on his decision to leave boyhood club Leeds for West Ham.

 

Sam Byram has completed his move to West Ham

 

The Hammers landed the 22-year-old for a cut-price fee of just £3.7million, with his contract at Elland Road set to expire at the end of the season.

And the Thorp Arch academy product admits he couldn't turn down the chance to achieve his dream of playing in the Premier League.

The right-back received another bid from top-flight rivals Everton, but he says the lure of playing at the Olympic Stadium next season swayed his decision.

His choice was likely to have also been influenced by the fact a number of his family members are Irons fans.

 

“I’m unbelievably proud and happy to join a club as big as this,” Byram said. “I’m just looking forward to what the future holds and hopefully I can achieve things with the team going forward.

“It’s a childhood dream of mine to play in the Premier League, so to have the chance to get into a team like this and I just want to get my head down, work hard and hopefully get a chance.

“I spoke to the manager and he is one of the main reasons which attracted me to West Ham. 

“I think he’s done unbelievably well with his team so far, so I’m really looking forward to working with him and his staff.

 

Sam Byram turned down Everton's interest to join West Ham

 

“My uncle and my cousin are big West Ham fans and have bought their tickets for the new stadium. My uncle was down here yesterday getting a shirt with my name on the back! 

“It’s nice to have them down here and they’ll help me settle so I’m looking forward to seeing them.

“I’m also really looking forward to seeing the new stadium in person. That was another big part in me wanting to come here. 

“It’s a massive part of the future of the club and I can’t wait to see and hopefully play in it.”