Inter Milan midfielder Luis Jimenez says his loan move to West Ham is down to the persistence of football chief Gianluca Nani.

"Gianluca Nani, the Technical Director, tried to sign me about six years ago for Brescia, when I first came through," Jimenez, who moved from South America to Italian Serie B club Ternana at the age of 18 before enjoying spells with ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio, told whufc.com.

"I also played with Valon Behrami. He was my team-mate at Lazio. Valon is a great person and as a player I knew he had all the qualities to do well wherever he went. I am looking forward to playing with him once again and helping West Ham do well."