West Ham have announced the signing of Italian striker Alessandro Diamanti on a five-year deal.
from Serie A club Livorno.

The 26-year-old forward has cost a reported £6m and his capture is considered quite a coup as a host of Italian clubs were vying for his signature, the player preferring to join Zola at Upton Park in what appears to be another success for the growing reputation of Gianfranco as a Manager.

Diamanti scored 18 goals in 37 games for his club last season and was instrumental in Livorno gaining promotion. He is considered to be something of a free-kick specialist and Hammers fans can breath a sigh of relief that some of the weight has been lifted from Carlton Cole

At £6m this looks excellent business and, again, it suggests that rumours of West Ham's financial meltdown are little more than idle press speculation. Diamanti himself got off to a flier when speaking to the club's official website: "This is a big club and I want to give everything for the supporters."

"I chose West Ham because the club has the tradition of playing great football. Also because the West Ham fans are really passionate and that is the way I am."

More interesting reports come from Italy though where the Corriere dello Sport paper reports that Livorno's director of sport Nelso Ricci admitted that "Diamanti literally begged us in tears to let him join West Ham,” The club had previously turned down the West Ham bid, considering it unsatisfactory, but the turning point came in a meeting with the player last night. Ricci explained “He [Diamanti] said it was the opportunity of a lifetime. He thanked the President for having signed him from Prato in Serie C2, but now he wants to leave."

“West Ham will pay £5.5m in three years. What could [President Aldo] Spinelli do other than sell a player who no longer wants to be here?"

“We cannot keep unhappy players. Spinelli had already improved Diamanti’s contract to match the higher earners, like [Cristiano] Lucarelli.”

Comments like that will always appeal to the supporters. Perhaps he saw scenes on Tuesday night versus Millwall and the prospect excited him? Can't wait to see him and find out how Zola plans to use him.