Ghanaian teenager Keenan Appiah-Forson has expressed delight in signing his first contract with English Premier League outfit West Ham United.
The 18-year old put pen to paper after impressing following a two year scholarship with the Hammers.
“It was great to sign my first professional contract,” Appiah-Forson told the club's website. “It’s everything I’ve been waiting for," he added.
A grateful Appiah-Forson thanked the youth team coaches for helping his development as a player.
“I’d like to say thank you to my coaches: Kevin Keen has brought something different into our team, and Mark Phillips, who was my mentor, taught me a lot as well. I felt like my first scholarship year didn’t always go as I wanted it to, but he kept telling me to stay focused, keep working hard," said Appiah Forson.
“I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was young. All that hard work has got me this contract, so I’m really happy.
“When it’s safe, I really just want to get back into it and show the coaches what I’m about. I want to see all my teammates, and start all that hard work again. I just miss it, so I just want to get back to it more than ever now!.”
The versatile midfielder gained his first taste of senior football, coming on at half-time during West Ham United U21s’ memorable 5-4 comeback win over Newport County in the Leasing.com Trophy in September.