Domingos Quina signs first professional contract at West Ham United

West Ham United have announced that young midfielder Domingos Quina has signed his first professional contract at the club.

The 17-year-old, who has previously played for Chelsea's academy, has agreed a three-year deal with the Hammers.

After leaving the Blues earlier this year the Portuguese youngster reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal, but a move never materialised.

After signing his contract, Quina told West Ham's official website: "I am very happy to have signed my first professional contract with West Ham and it has always been my dream. I chose West Ham because it is a great club and they like to give young players opportunities to break into the first-team like Reece Oxford and I hope to do the same.

"I like to enjoy my football and do things which people are not expecting. I really enjoyed my goal against Leicester [in the U23s] and it was a great moment. That was not the first time I had scored a goal like that and hopefully there is more to come.

"I know that talent alone is not enough to see me develop as a player and I just want to keep working hard every day. Hopefully I will get my chance."

First-team manager Slaven Bilic added: "I am personally delighted with the news. We know a lot about him and he came away with us on pre-season. He is one of those players that you think if he doesn't make it, then which player will?

"He has got everything and it is now down to us and up to him how much he is going to improve and dedicate his life to achieve something that God gave him. There is no doubt he has something exceptional.

"He is skilful and is one of those players who doesn't have to think about his first touch because it comes so naturally to him. He is not afraid of challenges and has skill and vision. I have named everything and that is why is we are so happy to see him sign a contract."

Quina was part of the Portugal side that claimed the Euro Under-17 title in Azerbaijan in May.