Garcia, 26, said: "It was frustrating at West Ham because I wasn't given much of a chance.

"I was seen as a utility player, a jack of all trades if you like, and I never got the opportunity to make a position my own. They offered me a new deal, but I had to get away."

Garcia revived his career in three years at Colchester before getting his big break when Hull signed him on a free 13 months ago.

Manager Phil Brown handed Garcia the settled role he craved on the right side of midfield, and his game has blossomed.

He admitted: "It has taken me longer than I expected to get to where I want to be, but now I have got the chance with Hull I fully intend to take it."

And he is impatient to meet his old Hammers pals from a decade ago - Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.

Garcia added: "I cannot wait to pit my wits against them in the top league."