West Ham United FC

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Hammers snare Boa Morte

05 Jan 2007 - 10:10:30

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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."