Former Town full-back Mauricio Taricco has quit West Ham just a week after joining on a free transfer from Spurs having picked up an injury on his debut. The Argentinian asked if his contract could be cancelled so the Hammers wouldn't have to pay an injured player.

Taricco was substituted after 27 minutes of his debut against Millwall on Sunday and subsequently discovered that he has torn a hamstring and will be out of action for two months.

The former Argentinos Juniors player said: "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.

"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."

Hammers boss Alan Pardew paid tribute to Taricco: "When Tano knew he was going to be out for so long, he felt very uncomfortable about the situation and came to me offering to terminate his contract.

"He didn't have to make that decision which shows that his character and personality off the pitch is far removed from the image sometimes portrayed.

"This is one of the most honest acts from a player that I have experienced in all my years in the game."

Club managing director Paul Aldridge hopes the former Blue will be back in action soon: "We are very disappointed to be losing Tano after such a short period. On behalf of everyone at West Ham United I certainly wish him a very speedy recovery and hope he returns to the game early next year."

Prior to Taricco signing for the Hammers, there were reports linking him with Town. The Blues made no enquiry and would not have been able to offer the 18-month contract he signed at West Ham.

However, with Taricco now a free agent, he could become a target once he is fit again and if Joe Royle feels he could add to the options available in his squad and has sufficient money to add him to the wage bill.

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