Hammers land Tristan (From Gazette Series)

Hammers land Tristan

9:18pm Tuesday 14th October 2008 in

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West Ham have completed the signing of striker Diego Tristan.

The 32-year-old was available after leaving Italian side Livorno, where he scored just one goal in 20 appearances.

Tristan told the club's official website, www.whufc.com: "I am really happy to be at West Ham. They are a big club and London is a great city."

He added: "I want to show the fans that I can score goals and help the team to go up the league. I am excited to be here."

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola moved for the player following a two-week trial, with England international striker Dean Ashton sidelined following ankle surgery.

On Zola, the player continued: "The manager has spent lots of time working with me. He has helped me a lot and I want to say thanks to him by scoring lots of goals and doing well for the club.

"I am very grateful to the manager for giving me the opportunity to play here.

"I have been really impressed from the moment I arrived at the training ground.

"The coaching staff and the players have all helped me to settle in. I had a lot of offers to go to other countries and play for a lot of money but I feel that I still have lots to offer and I want to show West Ham fans that I can still play at the highest level. That is why I am here."

The striker, who won 15 caps for Spain between 2001 and 2004, also played for Deportivo La Coruna and Real Mallorca in his homeland.