Ghana and West Ham United attacker Andre Dede Ayew has laid down the gauntlet ahead of the season, insisting a good pre-season should see him return to his best form.

The 27-year-old is currently with the Hammers squad on a pre-season tour, as the players get in shape for the upcoming season.

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Ayew made just 25 appearances last season following an injury-hit campaign, but finished the season strongly with six goals.

And the former Marseille star believes the Hammers faithful will see the best of him, following a good pre-season.

“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 the international games,” Ayew told West Ham TV.

“I have always been coming back later, so to start the pre-season with the squad is quite good. I think I’m going to have a month or more with the squad before the pre-season starts so it’s a good opportunity for me to get myself back together and to feel good before the season.”

The deputy Ghana skipper is also optimistic that West Ham United will finish in a respectable position come the end of the season, adding that he hopes to have an injury-free campaign.

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“I thinkI was gettingthere[tomybestform]. “Itwas not myoptimum, butI was gettingtherebitbybitbyplayinggames. For me, it was a shame the season came to an end because I was starting to feel better after my injury.

“…We have another season coming up and we have a lot of objectives ahead of us that we want to achieve as a squad,” he concluded.

“So, I needtocontinueworkinghardanddoingwhatweweredoingat theend of last seasonandI’m sure I will getback tomybest physicallyandeverythingwillbeOK.”

Ayew joined West Ham United from Swansea City for £20 million in the summer of 2016.