Cottagers seal double swoop
16 Jul 2008 - 07:29:27
Bobby Zamora claims the chance to play regular first-team football persuaded him to join Fulham alongside former West Ham team-mate John Paintsil for a joint fee of £6.3million.
Striker Zamora has agreed a four-year contract with the Cottagers, while wing-back Paintsil will stay at Craven Cottage for three seasons after both players were given permission to discuss personal terms with Roy Hodgson's side last week.
Zamora, 27, scored 30 goals in 130 league appearances in total for the Hammers following his arrival from Spurs in 2004, but injury restricted him to just 14 run outs last season.
"I am delighted that we have reached an agreement to enable me to play for Fulham next season," he told the club's official website.
"I am looking forward to joining the rest of the team this week and preparing for the new campaign.
"This is a new challenge for me and the prospect of working with a coach of Roy Hodgson's calibre was a great opportunity, so I am excited at the prospect of competing for a regular place in the team."
Ghana defender Paintsil was allowed to leave Upton Park after starting just nine games in three-and-a-half seasons.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson added: "I am very pleased that we have been able to add both Bobby Zamora and John Paintsil to our squad.
"Bobby is a talented striker who not only has a desire to score goals but always looks to involve the rest of the team with his intelligent play.
"I have no doubt that Bobby will play an important part for us and his quality has allowed us to strengthen our attacking options.
"John has a versatility that will provide us with more defensive options, which is extremely important to the strength and depth we have in the squad."