Hammers sign Czech midfielder Kovac on loan
Zola was delighted to sign the versatile Czech midfielder
Also In The News
|
World number one Rafael Nadal has set up a mouth-watering clash with number two Roger Federer after an amazing Australian Open semi-final victory. |  |
Saturday, 31, Jan 2009 10:29
West Ham United have signed Czech Republic international Radoslav Kovac on loan for the rest of the season from Russian side Spartak Moscow.
Kovac was club captain at Spartak and Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola feels he will bring experience to his team as they try to finish the season on a high.
The 29-year-old played at the World Cup in 2006 as well as Euro 2008 and at six ft three can also play as a central defender.
Zola said: "I am pleased to have Radoslav here. He has a lot of experience with the national team and he will give us competition in a midfield which is already very strong. I am sure he will help us with what we are trying to achieve this season."
As part of the agreement with Spartak the Hammers have the option to buy Kovac at the end of the season if he impresses during his spell at Upton Park.
Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury said the club had beaten interest from a number of clubs to sign Kovac and was pleased to have landed the Czech.
He said: "I am delighted we have managed to secure the services of a proven international like Radoslav ahead of interest from clubs at home and abroad."
Kovac will bolster a midfield that could be set to lose winger Julien Faubert to Real Madrid.
The Hammers are currently eighth in the Premier League and are on their best run of form since Zola took charge of the side – having gone unbeaten in all competitions since losing 1-0 to Aston Villa before Christmas.