West Ham United have received lavish words of praise from promising Nigerian defender, Ajibola Alese, who says he is delighted to sign a new contract with the London club.
The 17-year-old was beaming with glee, after penning his first professional contract with The Hammers, and says he wants to make the best of the three-year deal, which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2020-2021 season.
The former England U16 captain, who played for The Young Lions at the 2018 UEFA U-17 European Championship this summer, said he is now seeking greater trappings with The Hammers.
Alese said : ”It’s a very proud day for myself and my family. I have been at West Ham United since I was seven years-old and to now become a professional here is a great honour.
”This caps off a great year for me, having broken into the Under-23 team last season and progressed with England, and now I just want to keep working hard and learning more.
”I would like to thank all the Academy and coaching staff at the club for the help they have given me, and also thank my family for the encouragement they have given me, particularly when I have had injuries.”