Boa Morte joins Hammers rescue bid


dpa German Press Agency
Published: Friday January 5, 2007

London- West Ham United Friday completed the signing of
Fulham captain Luis Boa Morte for a fee of around five million pounds
(9.7 million dollars).
The 29-year-old Portuguese midfielder could be the first of a
number of signings as West Ham's new owners, led by chairman Eggert
Magnusson, look to drag the club clear of relegation danger.

"I like players who are versatile, and Luis can play on the left,
on the right, through the middle as a centre-forward, and even as an
attacking midfielder," Hammers boss Alan Curbishley told the club
website.

"He is also very experienced, which is something I think we need
and have been endeavouring to bring in.

"We have some very exciting young players, but I just felt we
needed more experience in certain areas to help them out.

"The signing also puts other players under pressure, and that is
what football is all about. Luis has great pace, a fantastic left
foot, and he makes and scores goals.

"We are currently juggling a lot of balls in terms of the players
we have targeted in this transfer window, and they haven't all come
down yet, but this is a good start and I am sure Luis will make a big
impact for us."

Fulham manager Chris Coleman admitted he was disappointed to lose
Boa Morte, but said he saw little point in standing in the way of a
player who wanted to leave.

© 2006 - dpa German Press Agency