Luis Boa Morte has signed a new two-year contract at West Ham United and is ready to play his part in what promises to be an exciting season for the club.
The Portugal attacker could have left the Boleyn Ground with the expiry of his previous deal this summer, but has been rewarded following his full recovery from a knee injury. Having scored on his return to action on the final day of the last campaign against Manchester City, he is raring to give his all for the Hammers once more.
"I am delighted to sign the contract and can't wait to get started," Boa Morte told whufc.com. "The new manager Avram Grant is going to play an attacking style and I hope to get involved in that. I am very happy to be at West Ham and look forward to scoring more goals and doing everything I can for the team."
Boa Morte returned from a whole season on the sidelines after being hurt in July 2009 to turn in a superb display in that 1-1 draw against City, with his strike the first he has scored at the Boleyn Ground. He was given a rapturous response from the supporters who appreciated his all-action display.
He added: "To be honest, I did have more options and more offers from other people but I wanted to stay here. When the season finished, a few clubs came to me about signing for them but West Ham believed in me and things are looking positive here.
"We have a new manager and I have seen he has done good things with Chelsea and Portsmouth, reaching major finals twice. The fans also had an impact on my decision to stay and I look forward to playing for them again."
Boa Morte celebrates that goal against Manchester City
Boa Morte, who has played 81 times for the club since joining from Fulham back in January 2007, admitted he had experienced tough times previously but had always remained up for the claret and blue challenge. "Whatever things have happened I have always been up for the fight and never turned my face away from bad things.
"In life you need to fight to win and achieve your targets. That is what I am going to do, I am going to keep fighting. Now that I have signed with the club for another two years I am going to do my best for everyone.
"It was sad what happened last season but I always had confidence that I could come back. I have worked hard to get into shape. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I am ready to give everything I can.
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"I feel very good. The summer has been good, I have been working a little bit and everything is OK. I want to have a good start to the season and hit the ground running. My target is to do my best for the club.
"We want to have a good season and we should be aiming to try and get European football. If you compete in your own league that's great but we would like to do more. It is nice to compete against teams from other countries, get different knowledge of the game and give the fans plenty to get excited about."