Manuel da Costa wants a long-term stay at West Ham United.

The Portugal defender arrived in the summer from Fiorentina and is desperate to keep the club up.

"I love it in England. I have my family, my friends here when I need them. London is a good place and it is close for me to get back to France. It is a good life and when I go to the training ground I am happy because I feel at home. The players are welcoming and the staff have all been good to me," he told whufc.com.

Still only 23, Da Costa is particularly grateful to Gianfranco Zola for his close attention and help as he has settled into his new life.

"The manager has been good to me. I have a good relationship and so does everyone - but he expects us all to keep improving.

"He has been working with me on my technique this week. He does something different with all of us defenders. Sometimes he will spend time after training with me, sometimes with Upson, sometimes with Tomkins, sometimes with Gabbidon. He gives us all of his time and I am grateful."