Almunia returns to Arsenal

Manuel Almunia's loan spell at West Ham United has come to an end and he has returned to his parent club Arsenal.

Spanish shot-stopper back at the Emirates following loan spell

Manuel Almunia's loan spell at West Ham United has come to an end and he has returned to his parent club Arsenal. The Spanish goalkeeper joined the Hammers at the end of September after being drafted in as cover for the injured Robert Green. He made four appearances during his time at Upton Park, but saw Green return to action following knee surgery in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Leicester. Almunia opted to play no part in West Ham's plans for that contest, as his short-term deal edged to a close. He agreed to let Ruud Boffin occupy a place on the bench against the Foxes, despite being offered the role by Hammers boss Sam Allardyce prior to kick-off. "Manny is an outstanding individual, I spoke to him and offered him a place on the bench for his last game but he said to give it to Ruud, because he's here at the club," said Allardyce. "We've enjoyed having him but he's gone back, Ruud was on the bench and Robert came back and made some important saves for us."