After a summer of speculation, the Portuguese forward has handed in a transfer request “with a heavy heart”.
Ricardo Vaz Te has finally spoken out on a summer of speculation at West Ham United, handing in a transfer request in the process.
The Portuguese forward was linked with numerous clubs in his homeland after an unsatisfactory season last year at Upton Park. New full-time signing Andy Caroll has the starting striker’s slot locked down, whilst Stewart Downing has been brought in to provide natural width.
It would seem now that Vaz Te will have even fewer opportunities – something Vaz Te is deeply upset by: “In my ten years as a professional football player I have never submitted a transfer request nor issued a statement,” he told Sky Sports, “However, I am frustrated at West Ham United Football Club.
“Last season I was asked to change positions for the benefit of the team even though I had just scored 24 goals.
“The main objective was to finish top ten in the Premier League and I followed my instructions to the best of my ability as the club always comes first. As a result even though I was injured for three months no other player made more assists than me and no other winger scored more goals than me.
“In addition, since I joined this football club on 31st January 2012 no other player has scored more goals than me in all official competitions to date.
“Statistics are evident to all, despite this, it has been made obvious to myself and my representatives that I am not in the manager’s plans.
“Therefore it is with a heavy heart that I submit a transfer request and look to join a club where my approach to the game will be appreciated.”
West Ham and manager Sam Allardyce are yet to issue a response.
The club have certainly been linked with their fair share of forwards in recent weeks, but no one has arrived as yet.
Should Vaz Te get his wish and leave the club, they would be left desperately short up front with only Andy Carroll, the unproductive Modibo Maiga and the untested Roger Rojas currently on the roster.
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