The Ghana star couldn't live up to expectations last season following a troublesome injury but says he’s feeling better in pre-season

Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew says he is enjoying the pre-season with West Ham United ahead of the Premier League upcoming campaign.

The 27-year-old joined the Hammers from Swansea City last season in a record-breaking deal, but could only give out an average performance following an injury he sustained on his debut against Chelsea.

He played 25 games, starting 19 times and scoring six goals, half of his tally in the previous season.

"I'm feeling good and working hard. We had long days in Austria and now we're just at the beginning in Germany and we have a few games to come," Ayew told West Ham TV.

"We're working hard here, trying to get fit, working together and getting to know each other, so it's sweet. Pre-season is something which is very, very important and, for me. I've not been able to have a real pre-season for a long time because of international games.

"I have always been coming back later, so to start the pre-season with the squad is quite good," he added.

Ayew admitted he only attained full fitness towards the end of last season. "It was not my optimum, but I was getting there bit by bit by playing games," he said.

"For me, it was a shame the season came to an end because I was starting to feel better after my injury. I need to continue working hard and doing what we were doing at the end of last season and I'm sure I will get back to my best physically and everything will be okay."

West Ham will play Werder Bremen on Saturday as part of their pre-season before they lock horns with Altona 93 and complete their tour of Europe with a game against Manchester City.