West Ham United signing Thomas Hitzlsperger has welcomed the prospect of facing former club Aston Villa for next season's opener.

The Hammers have been paired with the Germany international midfielder's former club Aston Villa on the season's opening day.

Hitzlsperger told whufc.com: "It's funny - you know sometimes these things don't surprise you, because you think it might happen!

"I am looking forward to it, be good to go back there. I made over 100 appearances for them in the time I was there and it was great, but I am looking forward to going there as a West Ham player and helping my new club to hopefully get a good result."