Morgan Amalfitano has become the ninth summer signing for West Ham, his former club Marseille have announced.
The 29-year-old, who has received one France cap, was not expected to be moving to Upton Park on transfer deadline day but has now completed a one-year deal to link up with Sam Allardyce's side.
He joins recent loan acquisition Alex Song as well as Carl Jenkinson, Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Cheikhou Kouyate, Diego Poyet, Aaron Cresswell and Mauro Zarate in signing for the Hammers over the course of the summer, with Marseille confirming his departure from Ligue 1.
"The midfielder is committed on Monday September 1 with English club West Ham," a statement on their website read. "Olympique de Marseille and West Ham found on Monday evening an agreement for the transfer of midfielder Morgan Amalfitano. He arrived at OM June 9, 2011, from FC Lorient - Morgan Amalfitano played 87 matches with Olympique de Marseille, scored 7 goals and delivered 14 assists."
Amalfitano spent last season on loan at West Ham's Premier League rivals West Brom, scoring four goals - including a memorable strike in the Baggies' 2-1 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Mohamed Diame has left West Ham to join Hull on deadline day - with confirmation of a move for Amalfitano likely to be the last action of a busy window for Allardyce's side.
Amalfitano says he is looking forward to getting to work with the Hammers having already spoken to Allardyce. "The manager explained to me how the team plays and how he needs me," he said.
"I explained to him where I prefer as my position in his team. This is a new team with very good players with great experience of this league. I think everything can go well and I hope we have a good season.
"I prefer to play behind the striker, but last year with West Brom I played on the right. I like to cross the ball too, but I can also give through passes from behind the striker. The coach will see what happens in every game and if he finds another position for me in the team, there is no problem for me.
"I enjoyed my first year in English football and for that reason I have come back and hopefully I can improve again. The first year was good for my experience and I will try to help West Ham now by giving my best and continue to improve in this league. I like this country and this is the best league."
Source: FIFA.com