Source: Daily_Mail
Manuel da Costa leaves West Ham for Lokomotiv Moscow
Share[LNB]West Ham have offloaded Portuguese defender Manuel da Costa to Lokomotiv Moscow for ?1.3million. [LNB]The 25-year-old, who had one year left on his deal at Upton Park, has signed a four-year contract with the Russian club. [LNB]Da Costa, who missed three months of last season with a foot injury, was keen to move on after starting just 14 Barclays Premier League matches as the Hammers got relegated last season.[LNB] On his way: Manuel da Costa will sign for Lokomotiv Moscow[LNB] 'It would have been a step backwards to stay at West Ham, where I didn't always get in the team,' he said.[LNB] 'Going to Lokomotiv is a chance to improve my game. Many famous players have come to play in the Russian championship, where teams like CSKA, Zenit and Lokomotiv are the top three clubs.[LNB] 'Alexei Smertin (the Lokomotiv sporting director) told me of the club's ambitions, that Lokomotiv have serious intentions and intend to fight for the Russian title.[LNB] 'I want to play in a good team and win. This is what prompted me to sign the contract.' [LNB] Mos-go: Da Costa is heading for Russia after failing to help West Ham stay in the top-flight[LNB]Da Costa joined West Ham from Fiorentina two years ago as part of the deal that saw Savio Nsereko move in the other direction. [LNB]The French-born Da Costa started his career at Nancy and has also played for PSV Eindhoven and Sampdoria. [LNB]He is due to stand trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in September after pleading not guilty to sexualassault over an incident last October.[LNB] The Insider: Spurs to test Porto's resolve to keep Hulk but West Ham have reservations over LewisNewcastle raise the Ba with swoop for West Ham striker on free transfer[LNB] Explore more:Places: France
