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04-15-2009, 10:10 PM
West Ham have announced the permanent signing of defender Herita Ilunga.
The 27-year-old left-back joined from Toulouse on a season-long loan in September but has now signed a deal keeping him at the club until 2013.
Ilunga has featured in every Premier League game since arriving at Upton Park, playing a key role in the club's resurgence under Gianfranco Zola.
He told the West Ham website: "It is a great joy to have signed for a club that believed in me."
In December, Ilunga, a Democratic Republic of Congo international, reportedly described West Ham as "second-rate", adding that he saw the club as a stepping stone in his career.
But Zola immediately defended the player, and spoke of his plans to sign the full-back.
The deal was agreed in January and will take effect when the summer transfer window opens.
"My goal is to keep developing as a player here, working for the manager and his staff," added Ilunga.
"I am very happy to be here and there is a great atmosphere with my team-mates."
BBC SPORT
The 27-year-old left-back joined from Toulouse on a season-long loan in September but has now signed a deal keeping him at the club until 2013.
Ilunga has featured in every Premier League game since arriving at Upton Park, playing a key role in the club's resurgence under Gianfranco Zola.
He told the West Ham website: "It is a great joy to have signed for a club that believed in me."
In December, Ilunga, a Democratic Republic of Congo international, reportedly described West Ham as "second-rate", adding that he saw the club as a stepping stone in his career.
But Zola immediately defended the player, and spoke of his plans to sign the full-back.
The deal was agreed in January and will take effect when the summer transfer window opens.
"My goal is to keep developing as a player here, working for the manager and his staff," added Ilunga.
"I am very happy to be here and there is a great atmosphere with my team-mates."
BBC SPORT