Kevin Nolan has left West Ham by what the club described as mutual consent.
The club captain spent four years with the Hammers after signing from Newcastle United in June 2011 and led them to promotion to the Premier League in his first season.
The 33-year-old Liverpudlian scored 31 goals in 157 games as an attacking central midfielder and the club said he “leaves with the very best wishes of everyone at the Boleyn Ground”.
They added on their website: “West Ham United would like to thank Kevin for his considerable effort and commitment over the past four seasons and wish him all the very best for the future, on and off the football pitch.”
Nolan said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham United and will take some great memories with me. I’m now looking forward to the next challenge playing for a new club.”
Nolan, who was signed by his former manager at Bolton, Sam Allardyce, has fallen out of favour under Slaven Bilic and the 4-3 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday was his first start in the league this season, although he was withdrawn at half-time.
He is likely to be succeeded as captain by Mark Noble.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday morning, Bilic said that Nolan had left because he could no longer be guaranteed first-team football.
“That is basically the only reason,” he said. “In the end, it is good for both parties.
“We had a few chats with Kevin, now he’s leaving and I can only say a big thanks to him for the club because he was a great captain and a great professional.
“Even in the short period I experienced working with him, he was a brilliant professional, a hard worker and I wish him well on behalf of the staff, the players and the club.”
