Forward Ricardo Vaz Te has left West Ham United by mutual consent after making just four league appearances this season.

The 28-year-old scored the winner for the Hammers in the 2012 play-off final against Blackpool, sealing the club's return to the top flight at the first attempt.

Speaking to the club's website, the Portuguese said: "It has been a pleasure to be at a club like West Ham. It was a fantastic opportunity and I am so grateful for having played here. Everything I achieved here and all my game time and my life off the pitch has been amazing.

"I will never forget that day at Wembley - it was so special for me and for all of the fans involved. That is the kind of moment you don't intend to forget. I'm very fortunate to have had that moment and I'm pleased I could do that for the fans, for the club and for my team-mates.

"I would like to thank the West Ham fans and to tell them to keep supporting the club through what is going to be an exciting time over the next few years."

After playing such a pivotal part in the Hammers' return to the Premier League, Vaz Te had found playing time increasingly hard to come by and featured just eight times in the league.

After playing such a pivotal part in the Hammers' return to the Premier League, Vaz Te found playing time increasingly hard to come by and after  starting 18 league games in the 2012/13 season, made a total of six in the next two campaigns. 

 

In total, Vaz Te made 61 appearances for the Hammers after joining from, scoring 19 times in all competitions.