The Wales captain agreed a five-year deal with the Hammers once it was made clear he had no future at Anfield following the arrival of Spain international Fernando Torres.

Bellamy said: "I want to play in Europe, it's important to me, and I felt that same drive and ambition here at West Ham. Obviously it would be naive of me to say we are going to qualify for the Champions League next season but that's one thing we are really going to be pushing for here in the future."

He added: "The club is looking to strengthen what is already a very good squad, and West Ham are renowned for their open and attacking football, so everything is perfect for me.

"I had a great experience at Liverpool and I believe West Ham will benefit this year because I know I am a better player for it.

"I've signed a five-year contract here and I will be here for the long term. I've moved around a bit in recent years. Now I want to settle.

"I'm 28 later this week and hopefully approaching the prime years of my career. I believe West Ham are going to see the best of me."

Bellamy is West Ham's fourth summer signing and takes manager Alan Curbishley's spending since he arrived at Upton Park in December to nearly £40million.

He joins midfielders Scott Parker and Julien Faubert plus goalkeeper Richard Wright in arriving at Upton Park this summer.

The deal breaks West Ham's previous transfer record of £7.25million, which the Hammers paid Norwich for Dean Ashton in January 2006.

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365