Boa Morte, who played just one game last season due to a serious knee injury, could have walked away from Upton Park this summer when his contract expired but said he was persuaded to stay on by the arrival of new manager Avram Grant.

"I am delighted to sign the contract and can't wait to get started," Boa Morte told the club's official website, www.whufc.com.

Grant, who took financially-beleaguered Portsmouth to the FA Cup final last year, officially took over as Hammers boss last week after his work permit was rubber stamped by the Home Office.

The former Chelsea boss replaced Gianfranco Zola at the helm after the diminutive Italian could only just guide the London club to safety during a turbulent season in east London.

Boa Morte, who arrived from Fulham for £5million in 2007, had looked set to leave Upton Park after he blasted club co-chairman David Sullivan for his criticism of the team's performance against Wolves towards the end of the season.

The 32-year-old apologised to Sullivan though, and decided to stay at the Hammers, who he believes are set for an exciting season under Grant.

"To be honest, I did have more options and more offers from other people but I wanted to stay here," said Boa Morte.

"When the season finished, a few clubs came to me about signing for them but West Ham believed in me and things are looking positive here.

"We have a new manager and I have seen he has done good things with Chelsea and Portsmouth, reaching major finals twice.

"The fans also had an impact on my decision to stay and I look forward to playing for them again.

"The new manager Avram Grant is going to play an attacking style and I hope to get involved in that.

"I am very happy to be at West Ham and look forward to scoring more goals and doing everything I can for the team."

Boa Morte returned from the season-long lay off to score the Hammers' only goal in their final game of the season against Manchester City.

He is now determined to make up for lost time by firing the club to new heady heights.

Boa Morte said: "It was sad what happened last season but I always had confidence that I could come back.

"I have worked hard to get into shape. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I am ready to give everything I can.

"I feel very good. The summer has been good, I have been working a little bit and everything is OK.

"I want to have a good start to the season and hit the ground running. My target is to do my best for the club.

"We want to have a good season and we should be aiming to try and get European football. If you compete in your own league that's great but we would like to do more.

"It is nice to compete against teams from other countries, get different knowledge of the game and give the fans plenty to get excited about."