Joao Mario joins West Ham on loan from Inter

Inter midfielder Joao Mario is readying for a short-term sojourn in the English capital.

West Ham confirmed a move for Mario on Friday, adding that the 25-year-old Portugal international joins the Irons on a six-month loan. Mario trained with his new teammates Friday and has been cleared to play Saturday against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.

"I am really happy to be here," the Euro 2016 winner said. "It’s a really amazing experience to join this amazing team and I am just glad to be here."

Mario adds that Irons centre-half and Portugal teammate Jose Fonte encouraged him to make the temporary pilgrimage to the London Stadium. "Jose explained to me a little more about the club and also the song we have, 'I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles' and that, of course, it was really important for me to join West Ham," Mario said, revealing a previously unknown love for bubbles.

The 31-time capped international made 14 league appearances for Luciano Spalletti's lot this season, but just five as a starter after the Sporting CP academy product made the Serie A switch in August 2016 for a whopping €45 million. An attacking mid by trade, Mario should help boost a West Ham attack that has scored 30 goals in 24 league matches this season.