West Ham confirm departure of Winston Reid by mutual consent

West Ham have confirmed the departure of Winston Reid by mutual consent after more than a decade's service.

The 33-year-old is best remembered for scoring the final goal at the Boleyn Ground in 2016, a bullet header that Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was unable to keep out in front of a raucous home crowd.

Reid has encountered numerous injury problems since then and hasn't made a first-team appearance for West Ham since the 2017/18 season. Now, after spending time on loan at Sporting Kansas City and Brentford over the past two campaigns, the club have agreed to part ways with the New Zealand international in a decision confirmed on the club's official website.

“I have a lot of respect for the Club, and we’ve found an agreement that’s good for everyone involved,” Reid told West Ham TV of his departure. “I came here in 2010 and have just enjoyed so much of playing for the Club. It’s been a special time.

“I’ve always felt that the fans have supported me, and I’ve always tried to give my best for them. At the end of the day, when you’re a footballer, that’s what you enjoy the most, going out there and playing in front of a lot of fans.

“Over the years, that’s also what I’ve enjoyed the most: playing for your fans, for your teammates, for your coaches and for your family. 

“I just want to say ‘thank you’ and I wish you all the best for the future.”

Reid was never likely to get back into the first-team picture, given West Ham's abundance of quality options at centre-half.

He leaves east London having played 222 times in all competitions, scoring ten times. His goal against Manchester United will see him remembered fondly by the club's faithful, while he also played a significant part in the club's promotion winning campaign back in 2012.