Source: Team_Talk
Boa Morte pens new Hammers deal
uis Boa Morte has expressed his determination to get back in the West Ham team after signing a new two-year contract at Upton Park.[LNB] Boa Morte, who played just one game last season due to a serious knee injury, could have walked away from the club this summer when his contract expired but he was persuaded to stay by the arrival of Avram Grant.[LNB]"I am delighted to sign the contract and can't wait to get started," Boa Morte told the club's official website.[LNB]Grant, who took financially-beleaguered Portsmouth to the FA Cup final last year, officially took over as Hammers boss last week after his work permit was rubber stamped by the Home Office.[LNB]The former Chelsea boss replaced Gianfranco Zola at the helm after the diminutive Italian could only just guide the London club to safety during a turbulent season in east London.[LNB]Boa Morte, who arrived from Fulham for £5million in 2007, had looked set to leave Upton Park after he blasted club co-chairman David Sullivan for his criticism of the team's performance against Wolves towards the end of the season.[LNB]The 32-year-old apologised to Sullivan, though, and decided to stay at the Hammers, who he believes are set for an exciting season under Grant.[LNB]"To be honest, I did have more options and more offers from other people but I wanted to stay here," said Boa Morte.[LNB]"When the season finished, a few clubs came to me about signing for them but West Ham believed in me and things are looking positive here.[LNB]"We have a new manager and I have seen he has done good things with Chelsea and Portsmouth, reaching major finals twice.[LNB]"The fans also had an impact on my decision to stay and I look forward to playing for them again.[LNB]"The new manager Avram Grant is going to play an attacking style and I hope to get involved in that.[LNB]"I am very happy to be at West Ham and look forward to scoring more goals and doing everything I can for the team."[LNB]Boa Morte returned from the season-long lay off to score the Hammers' only goal in their final game of the season against Manchester City.[LNB]He is now determined to make up for lost time by firing the club to new heady heights.[LNB]Boa Morte said: "It was sad what happened last season but I always had confidence that I could come back.[LNB]"I have worked hard to get into shape. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I am ready to give everything I can.[LNB]"I feel very good. The summer has been good, I have been working a little bit and everything is OK.[LNB]"I want to have a good start to the season and hit the ground running. My target is to do my best for the club.[LNB]"We want to have a good season and we should be aiming to try and get European football. If you compete in your own league that's great but we would like to do more.[LNB]"It is nice to compete against teams from other countries, get different knowledge of the game and give the fans plenty to get excited about."
