WEST HAM defender Julien Faubert admits it is good to be back in the claret and blue after spending the second half of last season on loan at Real Madrid.

The French right-back was back in the team for the Hammers' opening day 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday with a new lean look after a period of intensive fitness regimes.

“It was good. It was the beginning of the season and we played well and got two goals, so everyone is happy,” he told WHUFC.com. “I think it was a strong performance for the whole team, but I felt good on the pitch. I can run and I can defend so I was happy for my own game and I was happy to win for the team.”

Speaking of his time in Madrid, Faubert added: “I was careful about my food. I worked hard. I knew I had too much weight and I had to lose some. I have done some big work and have come back strong. I went to the gym, I went running and I pushed some weights.

“I went to Real Madrid which was a different experience but now I am back in London and ready to work for West Ham. I am here and I am happy to be playing a lot of games and playing well. I hope to be back in the national team for the world cup, so I need to do this.”

Faubert insists the team should strive to better last season's ninth-place finish this year.

“I think we are ready for the season. I know it is a long season and this was just the first game so we can't say it is done, but we can work to maybe finish in the top eight or seven teams. We have to work and be aware of the next game and we can do well.”