Andriy Yarmolenko has thanked West Ham United’s fans and confirmed his exit with a heartfelt post on Instagram – prompting reaction from Declan Rice and Vladimir Coufal. Yarmolenko spent four years with the Hammers.
Yarmolenko, 32, joined West Ham in the summer of 2018 from Borussia Dortmund for a fee believed to be in the region of £17.5million (Sky Sports). But he has struggled with the Hammers, only managing 86 appearances.
Failing to break into the side on a regular basis, this term has seen him play his most games for the Hammers in all of the four seasons. The 106-time Ukraine ace has played 31 times in 2021-22, scoring three goals.
It has been a tricky season for the ex-Dynamo Kiev man, given the war that is taking place in his home country. But he has still continued to play for West Ham, scoring goals against Sevilla and Aston Villa back to back.
Recently, he spoke of his desire not to sign a new deal with the Hammers and that he wants to return to Dynamo – where he scored 137 goals in 340 games. Now, he has confirmed his Hammers exit with a post on Instagram.
Yarmolenko confirms West Ham exit: Rice and Coufal react
It is the right decision for all parties. Yarmolenko is likely to be on big money at West Ham but ultimately, he was always going to struggle to return to his best form. Injuries have also hampered his progress.
It sees West Ham remove a chunk of their wage bill, freeing up funds ahead of the summer. Yarmolenko, meanwhile, needed to leave in order to rejuvenate his career. Rice and Coufal have applauded him, on his post.
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