An important step in my career: Lanzini

Argentine midfielder Manuel Lanzini termed it an important step in his career after sealing a loan move from Al Jazira to English Premier League club West Ham.
The attacking playmaker completed his medical last Thursday and joins the Hammers on a season-long loan deal. Lanzini replaces Stewart Downing, who was sold to Middlesbrough.
West Ham, who finished 12th in the EPL last season, have the option to make the deal a permanent one.
Al Jazira, whose squad are currently on a pre-season training camp in Austria, confirmed the news on their Twitter account, late on Tuesday night. The Khaleej Times had first reported about the loan deal, earlier this month.
"New stage, new goals. Thanks to everyone for the support you gave me," Lanzini tweeted on Wednesday.
Earlier, the 22-year-old told West Ham TV: "This is very emotional because it is one of the best teams I have ever signed for. It is a very important step for my career and for my future. I am looking forward to what is a new era for me. I am someone who always gives 100 per cent. I'm an attacking player, I can change the game's tempo and I hope to give my maximum for the fans to appreciate me," the Argentine added.
Lanzini is the seventh signing at West Ham after the arrivals of Darren Randolph, Pedro Obiang, Stephen Hendrie, Dimitri Payet, Angelo Ogbonna and Carl Jenkinson.
Lanzini, who arrived in the UAE Capital last summer as a replacement for Moroccan Abdelaziz Barrada, scored eight goals in 24 appearances for Al Jazira. Nicknamed 'La Joya' which means 'The Jewel,' the former River Plate man has a contract with Al Jazira until 2018.
Lanzini, who has made four appearances for the Argentina Under-20 team, has made way for Brazilian playmaker Thiago Neves at the Pride of Abu Dhabi. Lanzini was impressive at the beginning of last season but tailed off mid-season and towards the end. Al Jazira had fought off interest from Spanish club Villarreal, Turkish side Besiktas and EPL club Tottenham for Lanzini, last year.
james@khaleejtimes.com