Hammers snare Boa Morte
05 Jan 2007 - 10:10:30
West Ham United have boosted their bid to beat the drop by snapping up Fulham captain Luis Boa Morte.
The 29-year-old Portugal international has joined the Hammers on a three-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee, which is believed to be in the region of £5million.
Boa Morte started his career in England with Arsenal and enjoyed a stint with Southampton, before heading to Craven Cottage in the summer of 2000 - initially on loan.
He has gone on to score 54 goals in 250 appearances before deciding to move on.
Boa Morte said after sealing his switch: "It was just the moment for a change to another club to continue my story in England.
"The decision was not easy for me. I have always given my best for Fulham and now I begin a new era in my life."
A downbeat Cottagers boss, Chris Coleman, told his club's official website: "I am of course disappointed that Luis has decided his future is not with Fulham."
"However, I have always said that if a player is not happy playing for this club and expresses a desire to go, then I would be prepared to let him leave and this was the case with Luis."