- Manuel Lanzini named in Argentina's 18-man squad for Rio 2016 Olympic Games
- West Ham United star enjoyed a superb debut season in English football
- Lanzini started his career in Buenos Aires, where he wore No10 for River Plate
The diminutive Hammers star is one of the big names in Julio Olarticoechea's selection, who will open their campaign against Portugal on 4 August, with further group games against Algeria and Honduras to follow.
The former U20 international and River Plate No10 has been recognised for a superb debut season in English football with the Hammers, and the 23-year-old is hoping to continue that good form when he returns to South America.
"I am very happy for this, representing my national team is always special," said Lanzini. "It's a big tournament and is being held in South America, which is good for us and important for Argentina."
Argentina won Olympic Gold in both 2004 and 2008, with Carlos Tevez top-scoring in the former with eight goals. Javier Mascherano was part of both victorious squads, while Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero were champions eight years ago. Lanzini therefore knows how important the U23 competition is to his fellow countrymen.
With the likes of Atletico Madrid's Angel Correa and River Plate's Giovanni Simeone - the son of Atletico coach Diego - in the squad, Lanzini is confident of success.
"For Argentina, going to the Olympics to take the Gold is something we always try to achieve," he confirmed. "It is very important for the country and we will do all we can to take the Gold again.
"Big players have played for Argentina in the Olympic Games before, and we have some big players in this team too. It's very important for all of us.
"I know all of our players very well and we will have a strong chance to do well. I have enjoyed our tour in America very much, and I like this country, so I will be ready for these Olympics."
Lanzini also had warm words for another of West Ham's internationals, Dimitri Payet, who has reached the UEFA Euro 2016 final with France.
The pair's combination play, movement and creativity played a central role in the Hammers' strong 2015/16 campaign, and the Argentine is happy to see his fellow attacking midfielder doing so well on home soil.
"I am very happy for Dimi," said Lanzini. "I know this was a very important tournament for him and he has done very well.
"I know he faces Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in the final, but I am backing France and Dimi, of course!"