West Ham attacker Luis Boa Morte leaves (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Former Arsenal and Southampton attacker Luis Boa Morte leaves West Ham

12:19pm Wednesday 3rd August 2011 in Sport By Simon Mail

West Ham have confirmed Luis Boa Morte has left the club by mutual consent.

The Portuguese midfielder had one year left on his contract but this has been cancelled and he will be moving abroad.

The 33-year-old made 109 appearances and scored twice during his four-year spell at Upton Park.

Boa Morte, who also played for Arsenal, Southampton and Fulham, said: "I am sad to leave West Ham as I have made a lot of friends here. It is also a sad day for me to leave playing football in England after 14 years."

Boa Morte was described as one of the big characters in the squad and striker Carlton Cole admits his departure is a loss for the club.

Cole said: "Luis has had a good four or five years here and he was a massive personality in the changing rooms.

"He’s going to be sorely missed as well. We’ve got to carry on and hopefully we can get into the Premiership as soon as possible."