Taricco leaves Hammers

Mauricio Taricco has quit West Ham after less than a week at Upton Park.

The Argentine defender only arrived at West Ham last week on a free transfer from Tottenham.

Taricco made his debut in last weekend's defeat to Millwall, but his bow was cut short by injury.

The hamstring injury was likely to sideline Taricco for several weeks and the player has decided to cancel his contract rather than stay at the club injured.

"I came to West Ham United to be of service to the club, and I obviously won't be able to contribute if I'm having treatment for over two months," Taricco told the club's official website.

"When I discovered the extent of the injury I was very unhappy about the situation so I approached Alan Pardew and offered to cancel the contract so the club would not suffer a serious financial loss by paying wages to a player who had only played for them for less than half-an-hour.

"This will now give Alan Pardew the opportunity to spend the money on a fit player rather than to someone sitting around in the treatment room.

"Naturally I am upset because in my very short time at West Ham I was impressed by the friendly, family atmosphere at the club. I'd like to wish them every success for the future and hope they achieve promotion this season."