Nani departure from West Ham confirmed

The Italian has been in the post for just under two years and has a mixed record of success in bringing new talent to the club.

After his appointment in June 2008, to work alongside then manager Alan Curbishley to identify and sign new players, Nani negotiated the purchase of both Herita Ilunga and Valon Behrami from Bordeaux and Lazio respectively.

Both those players have firmly established themselves as first-team regulars but other signings proved less successful.

Diego Tristan and David Di Michele made little impression when they joined last season, while young forward Savio's £5.5million signing from Brescia in January 2009 was a disaster.

Touted as one for the future the German never settled in London and was sold to Fiorentina at the start of this season for a loss.

Nani's days at Upton Park looked numbered after co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold took control of the Irons in last month.

Sullivan indicated then he would be directly involved in transfer deals, making 47-year-old Nani's position precarious.

With cost-cutting the order of the day as the Hammers try to regain some measure of financial stability there was little option but to pay up the remaining two years of Nani's contract.

Nani insisted his departure was amicable.

He said: "In agreement with the owners of the club, I have resolved my contract with West Ham United. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who worked alongside me in this wonderful adventure - the staff, Gianfranco Zola and the players.

"A special thank you also to the fans who have always supported us and whose warmth and dedication gave me a passion for this club which will forever remain with me.

"Finally, I wish the owners the best possible success in the future."