Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has rejoined West Ham just three months after leaving the club.
The 40-year-old, who left the Hammers in June upon the expiration of his contract having made more than 200 appearances across seven years, has signed a deal until the end of the season.
The former Poland international returns to the club the day after third-choice stopper, Wes Foderingham, signed for Cypriot club Aris Limassol.
Fabianski will likely provide cover for Mads Hermansen, who West Ham signed from Leicester in August, and Alphonse Areola, and the veteran keeper’s vast experience may also have been a factor in the decision to bring him back.
“I’m really happy to be back because this club obviously means a lot to me,” Fabianski said.
“I will be, for sure, a player who is always putting the team above my personal goals. I think maybe people see me as a good person to be around, a good person to have in the team in terms of what I bring and so it’s not only about me, it’s about the team.
“I’m here to support, to keep the standards high. I have huge experience as well, so I think it can be useful.”
He added: “I’ll continue to work the way I’ve always been doing, which is always hopefully at a good level but, at the same time, I understand that my role is completely different.”
Hammers boss Graham Potter hailed Fabianski as a “respected and popular” player at the club and insisted he well be a suitable role model for the younger members of the squad.
“We are really pleased to have Lukasz back with the group,” Potter said.
“Regardless of him being here previously, the main factor is that he is still a top goalkeeper and a top professional, and the perfect choice for the role we needed to fill.
“It’s a signing that makes perfect sense for everyone. Lukasz knows the Club extremely well, is very well respected and popular among everyone here.
“His personality and character will be a great example, especially to our younger players, and he is someone who really cares about West Ham United and wants to help us in any way he can. We are very happy to have him back with us.”
