Video: Watch new West Ham signing Walter Lopez in action

Managerless West Ham United have announced the surprise signing of 22-year-old Uruguayan international left-back Walter Lopez on a one-year contract. The former River Plate star is a free agent, and thus not subject to the transfer deadline.

Caretaker West Ham boss Kevin Keen said: "Walter is a very attacking full-back who can get forward.

"Like [recent loan signing] David Di Michele, he is another West Ham-type player who will hopefully show everyone at the club what he can do."

Lopez, who hails from Montevideo and has also had spells in Spain and Mexico, said: "I am really happy to be here and I hope to have a good career.

"Upton Park is a beautiful stadium and it will be great to play for West Ham. I am looking forward to it.

"It is a great club and there are some great players at the club. I know about many of them like Lucas Neill and Craig Bellamy. Everyone here has made me feel very welcome."

"I watch the Premier League all the time on TV. It is the No1 league in the world, the best and it is great to be a part of it.

"I am very happy that I am here and I get to play for West Ham. The fans are very passionate and I hope to show them what I can do."

And West Ham fans can get a sneak preview of exactly what Lopez can do below:

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