West Ham sign Tristan

By Simon Hayes on October 15, 2008 9:00 AM |

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WEST Ham completed the signing of Spanish international striker Diego Tristan last night.

The 32-year-old arrives on a free transfer after being released by Italian side Livorno at the end of last season.

Tristan, who has also played for Mallorca and Deportivo La Coruna, becomes Gianfranco Zola's first signing since becoming West Ham manager.

With Dean Ashton ruled out with injury until early next year Tristan's arrival will bolster Zola's attacking options, although he barely hit the net last season as Livorno tumbled out of Serie A.

But with 15 caps to his name and plenty of Champions League experience he will be looking to reproduce the form which saw him score 87 goals for Deportivo in his four year spell there. And Tristan is determined to be a hit with Hammers fans.

He said: "I am really happy to be at West Ham. They are a big club and London is a great city. 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."

Tristan could make his debut in Sunday's trip to Hull.