Andriy Yarmolenko bids West Ham farewell ahead of Al-Ain move

Andriy Yarmolenko has penned a farewell message to West Ham fans as he prepares to join UAE side Al-Ain on a free transfer.

Yarmolenko’s contract at the London Stadium expired at the end of last month and the Ukrainian international had already confirmed he would be leaving the club.

The 32-year-old joined the Hammers from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2018 but ruptured his Achilles early in the season and his career at the club never fully recovered, the forward making just 17 Premier League starts in four seasons.

“Thanks to all you fans and people @WestHam, for all your support throughout the whole time,” he wrote on Twitter. “But there were many happy and pleasant moments for which I am grateful to everyone who was with me and supported me.”

There was a particular outpouring of support for Yarmolenko during the second half of this season following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The forward scored in a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on his return from compassionate leave in March and then struck the memorable extra-time winner as West Ham beat Sevilla in their last-16 Europa League clash.

“Thanks for everything,” West Ham’s Twitter account wrote in reply. “We’ll never forget your goal against Sevilla. What a moment for everyone associated with this Club. Good luck with your new team.”