Statement from the CEO

West Ham United has responded to a newspaper article on Friday about the club parting company with Fredrik Ljungberg this week.

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "The signing of Fredrik Ljungberg in July 2007 was negotiated by the former chairman Eggert Magnusson and the financial discussions relating to the transfer had nothing to do with the manager Alan Curbishley, who has never been involved in player transfer and contract negotiations.

"All financial matters are controlled by the Board with the manager playing a full role in the identification and recommendation of players.

"As stated previously, the termination of Ljungberg's contract was agreed mutually and was in the best interests of West Ham United and the player. This was a footballing decision based on the fact the 31-year-old midfielder's first-team chances would have been limited for the new campaign and allows the club to redirect the wage-saving elsewhere."