Technical director Gianluca Nani has today West Ham United by mutual consent

Technical director Gianluca Nani has today West Ham United by mutual consent.

The back page of the East London Advertiser this morning reported it was only a matter of time before he left the club and it is no surprise that the Italian has now left Upton Park.

West Ham United chairman David Sullivan said: "I would like to thank Gianluca for his contribution to the club and we all wish him well. With the club heading in a new direction since David Gold and I took charge last month, it was felt the time was right for all parties to move on in an amicable way."

Nani said: "Today, in agreement with the owners of the club, I have resolved my contract with West Ham United. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who worked alongside me in this wonderful adventure - the staff, Gianfranco Zola and the players.

"A special thank you also to the fans who have always supported us and whose warmth and dedication gave me a passion for this club which will forever remain with me. Finally, I wish the owners the best possible success in the future."

Nani still had three years to run on his contract, however after new co-owner David Sullivan announced that he liked to be heavily involved in transfer dealings, the writing was on the wall for the Roman.

There was no suggestion that Nani played any role in bringing either Mido, Ilan or Benni McCarthy to the club in January, while a club insider said yesterday: "It will probably happen sooner rather than later."

At his first press conference since acquiring the club Sullivan said he would be discussing dealings with manager Gianfranco Zola, while the name of Nani was a notable absentee.

"We have to make savings and staffing may have to be economised," the co-owner confirmedd in January.

"Franco Zola deserves our support and he will get our support. We will sit down with him and see what he has to say.

"I like to be involved in transfer dealings."

The Italian joined the club almost two years ago from Brescia, reportedly earning �300,000 a year and was the first person to hold such a role at the club.

Nani has had a mixed two years in the East End after joining from Brescia and was praised for bringing hard-working midfielder Valon Behrami to the club from Lazio.

He was however criticised for bringing Savio to the club for around �5million.

The former Brescia youngster left the club seven months later, although injuries, as well as the death of the German under-21 internationals' mother and brother would obviously have had a huge affect on his performances.