Albion’s new signing is looking forward to joining his new team-mates – as February 14 becomes Valentin's Day.

Valentin Barco travelled from Buenos Aires last night ready to link with his new colleagues following is move from Boca Juniors.

He does so having helped Argentina under-23s qualify for the Olympics.

Barco revealed he had already been in touch with compatriot Facundo Buonanotte.

He told ESPN: “I’ve been talking to him and with the South Americans there – Enciso, Estupinan, Joao Pedro.

“I’m going to be in good company.”

Speaking before catching his flight, he said: “I’m really happy to take this step.

“I thank all the supporters at Boca, the club, the directors and everyone for these ten years.

“I always try to stay calm, not think about what’s going on outside, just concentrate on what I have to do on the pitch.

“I’m proud to have helped us qualify for the Olympics and to have achieved that target.”

Asked if, at just 19, he struggled to fathom all that was going on around him, he replied: “A bit at the start but now I am more used to it.”

Asked his thoughts on the club he is leaving he said: “Boca is everything for me, they gave me everything from the start.

“I got to the club when I was nine. It has been all my life.

“I thank all the supporters and I’m also happy to take this step.”