The 30-year-old Sweden captain passed the medicals and signed a four-year deal with the Hammers.

"Two years ago, when I signed my last contract, we talked a lot about the future and whether we were going to be bringing in a lot of big players, and despite building a new stadium and stuff we were going to stay at the top in England and top in Europe. For me that did not really happen," said Ljungberg during a press conference at Upton Park.

"There has always been clubs wanting to buy me in the summer and I 've always stayed loyal because I wanted to do it with Arsenal.

"But when Henry left this summer it felt a bit like the end unfortunately.

"It made me a bit sad and I thought all the players that were in the undefeated team have all left. I stayed and I want to be loyal but I think it was the right time to go," said Ljungberg who was Arsenal's longest-serving player in the first-team squad.

The departure of the French striker caused a huge controversy in the Emirates Stadium concerning the team's ability of playing at the highest level next season.

Many players had already expressed their wishes to leave the club such as William Gallas who previously said that he wants to go elsewhere where he could win trophies.

The Swede said the high-ambitions of West Ham had been a key factor to make him move on.