Nani committed to Hammers academy

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Nani has agreed a three-year contract with West Ham and will join in the summer from Brescia, where he has helped develop the likes of Italian World Cup winners Andrea Pirlo and Luca Toni.

Nani said: "We are in a global market. We will try to find the best foreign players - but that doesn't mean we will break what is the best academy in England, maybe in the world."

Hammers manager Alan Curbishley has brought Nani on board after admitting he needs help finding his way in the global transfer market.

Nani's main responsibility at West Ham will be to work with Curbishley on new signings, while also improving the club's international scouting network and developing the famed youth academy.

But Nani and Curbishley both stressed the importance of promoting home-grown talent at the club.

Freddie Sears, the latest off the production line, scored on his debut against Blackburn on Saturday as West Ham came from behind to win 2-1.

"We must improve the English players too because the fans like to recognise a player. We have to keep the tradition of bringing through English players," Nani said.

"We have to be proud of the work that has gone before in producing players like Frank Lampard Jnr and with Joe Cole.

"We have to follow this tradition - but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to sign players like Kaka or Adriano when they are young. This club has incredible potential. It is ambitious and we want the club to meet that potential."