Di Michele eyes Hammers stay

David Di Michele is keeping his fingers crossed he can stay at West Ham next season.

The 33-year-old Italian striker has settled well following his loan move from Torino.

He is focused on helping the Hammers secure qualification for Europe – and would love to still be at Upton Park next term.

“As I have already said many times I would love to stay at West Ham for a few more years,” Di Michele told the club’s official website, www.whufc.com.

“I feel good at this club and I really hope Torino will let me stay here.

“But in football you never know what can happen and at this stage my desire can’t make the difference.

“It is up to the two teams to find an agreement.”

West Ham are currently in eighth place, two points behind Fulham, following defeat to Chelsea.

A trip to Stoke is up next before dates with Liverpool, at home, and Everton ahead of the final match of the campaign when relegation-battlers Middlesbrough come to Upton Park.

Di Michele insists there is all to play for.

“The season remains more than positive,” he said.

“We are still in the position to get the qualification to the UEFA Cup (Europa League), which would be unbelievable.

“There are still four games, we all are confident we can do it.”

The Italian is happy enough with his contribution, netting four goals in 27 league appearances.

He said: “It’s has been a good season for me.

“Maybe I should have scored few more goals, but I am very satisfied because I played much more games than I expected.

“I am also surprised how well I settled down in London. My wife and my children as well, we could not have asked more.”