Mido eyes long-term Hammers stay

Posted Tuesday, February 02, 2010 by PA

Mido is determined to show he can have a long-term future at West Ham after chairman David Sullivan revealed the Egypt striker has joined on a "token" wage.

The Hammers completed a deal to take Mido on loan from Middlesbrough on deadline day, the 26-year-old having had a spell at Egyptian club Zamalek since August.

"It is an exciting challenge for me. It is another new club, but hopefully I can prove myself and stay here for longer," Mido told the club's official website.

New co-owners Sullivan and David Gold promised manager Gianfranco Zola fresh talent as he looks to take the club away from the relegation zone, and they delivered with Benni McCarthy agreeing a permanent move from Blackburn and free agent Brazilian forward Ilan also joining until the end of the season.

Mido, who also had a spell at Tottenham, cannot wait to get started, as the Hammers prepare for a crunch clash at fellow-relegation battlers Burnley.

He has joined on wages of £1,000 per week, putting him at the bottom end of the Premier League pay scale.

"We had other offers, but I have decided to play here," added the Egyptian.

"West Ham have a great team and manager, and that was a big factor in deciding to come here.

"I know a lot of the players here and the fans are passionate. We have got everything you need to get in the top 10 and I hope to play my part in helping the club to move up. We will all be doing our best to start winning games.

"I am fit to play this weekend, and will try to do the business for West Ham."