Alex Song has admitted that it is a "real pleasure" to be back plying his trade for West Ham United in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old rejoined the Hammers on loan from Barcelona earlier this month following a successful loan spell last season.

Song, who will miss out on tonight's clash with Newcastle United due to an ankle injury, has now moved to rubbish suggestions that he was holding out for a move to a bigger club.

"It's a real pleasure to be back," he told the London Evening Standard. "I had a very good season here last season. I felt comfortable here and the fans were very good to me. It could be a big contrast I suppose because of the name and reputation of the players at Barcelona.

"When you get to know them though, it is different. We shared a lot of things at Barcelona and it is the same here. When you get to know these players personally you realise they are not the same as what you see on the pitch."

Song made 31 appearances in all competitions for West Ham last season.